Ruth Haines
In 2019, flight delays hit major US airports due to a government shutdown. The head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warned that an extended shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports, as the absence of TSA officers and air traffic controllers would result in extended checkpoint wait times. The TSA, which handles airport security screening, said that most of its employees are considered essential and would continue working without pay in the event of a shutdown.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 21st December 2024 |
| Reason | Extended partial U.S. government shutdown |
| Impact | Longer wait times at airports |
| Previous Impact | Increase in absences of controllers and TSA officers, extended checkpoint wait times, slowing of air traffic |
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What You'll Learn
Flight delays at major US airports
While there is no indication that the US is shutting down airports, a partial government shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned that an extended shutdown could result in delays, as it did during the 35-day shutdown in 2019.
The TSA, which handles airport security screening, has stated that about 59,000 of its 62,000 employees are essential and would continue working without pay in the event of a shutdown. This includes air traffic controllers and TSA officers, who are crucial for ensuring safe travel.
During the 2019 shutdown, the number of absences by controllers and TSA officers increased as workers missed paychecks, leading to extended checkpoint wait times at some airports. The FAA was forced to slow air traffic, causing flight delays and putting pressure on lawmakers to resolve the issue.
It is important to note that the potential for flight delays and longer wait times at airports is a consequence of a government shutdown, rather than a deliberate decision to shut down airports. The impact of a shutdown would be felt across major US airports, affecting both domestic and international travel.
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Increase in absences of TSA officers
The US is not currently shutting down airports, but in 2019, during a 35-day government shutdown, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported a rise in unscheduled absences among its workforce, which includes TSA officers. These officers are responsible for screening passengers and baggage at more than 450 US airports.
During the 2019 shutdown, the rate of unscheduled absences among TSA's over 50,000 US airport security officers rose to 10%, compared to a 3.1% absence rate on the same day the previous year. This increase in absences was attributed to financial hardships caused by the shutdown, as many employees were not being paid. The TSA Administrator warned that an extended shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports.
Indeed, during the 2019 shutdown, checkpoint wait times at some airports were extended due to the increased absences of TSA officers, and the FAA was forced to slow air traffic. This put pressure on lawmakers to end the shutdown. It is important to note that even during the shutdown, the TSA continued to fulfill its key mission of airport security and aircraft hijacking prevention, ensuring the safety of passengers.
The TSA has faced other challenges as well, including a reported increase in misconduct among its employees between 2010 and 2012, and criticism of its acquisition process as wasteful and costly. However, the TSA remains committed to safeguarding the nation's airports and other critical transportation infrastructure, and it continues to adapt and improve its policies and procedures to address these challenges.
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Longer wait times
Wait times at US airports vary depending on several factors, including passenger volume, airport efficiency, arrival time, and citizenship. Generally, major international hubs like JFK and O'Hare handle millions of passengers annually, resulting in longer wait times due to congestion.
During the 2018-2019 shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) delayed flights to multiple airports due to staffing concerns. This shutdown, caused by an impasse over Trump's demand for federal funds for a US-Mexico border wall, resulted in longer wait times at some airports. Similarly, in May 2024, a partial shutdown caused disruptions at several major airports, including Miami International Airport, Houston George Bush Airport, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with security wait times exceeding one hour during peak periods.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned that an extended partial government shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports. During the 2019 shutdown, the longest in US history, TSA officers' absences increased as workers missed paychecks, causing extended checkpoint wait times. The TSA Administrator stated that while their personnel are prepared to handle high volumes of travelers, an extended shutdown may result in longer wait times.
To help travelers estimate security wait times, the TSA recommends using the official MyTSA app, which provides crowdsourced estimates from other travelers. However, it is important to note that the app's data may not always be accurate or up-to-date, as it relies on voluntary submissions from users.
Additionally, the holiday season can significantly impact wait times. Airports with the slowest customs wait times tend to be slow throughout the year, and the holiday rush may further prolong the process.
To avoid lengthy wait times, travelers can consider flying through airports with shorter processing times, such as Palm Beach and John Wayne airports, which benefit from lower passenger volumes and faster security clearance. These airports also tend to cater more to domestic travelers, simplifying customs and immigration procedures. Furthermore, some airports have invested in technology like automated passport control kiosks and TSA PreCheck lanes to expedite the security process.
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Slowed air traffic
While there is no indication that the US is currently shutting down airports, there have been instances in the past where government shutdowns have impacted air travel. For example, in January 2019, flight delays were reported at major US airports due to a government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to slow air traffic as a result of controller absences, which put pressure on lawmakers to resolve the issue.
During the 2019 shutdown, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which handles airport security screening, had to manage with a reduced workforce as many of its employees were not being paid. This resulted in longer wait times at security checkpoints, causing inconvenience to travellers and disrupting the usual flow of air traffic.
The head of the TSA has warned that future extended government shutdowns could lead to similar issues, with 59,000 out of 62,000 employees considered essential and expected to work without pay. This could potentially lead to longer wait times at airports, impacting travellers and causing a slowdown in air traffic.
It is important to note that while air traffic may be slowed during a government shutdown, a complete shutdown of airports is unlikely. Essential services, such as air traffic control and security screening, are maintained even during extended shutdowns, ensuring that air travel can continue, albeit with potential delays and disruptions.
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Impact on airport workers
While there are no explicit reports of the US shutting down airports, there have been instances of flight delays at major US airports during a government shutdown. In January 2019, a 35-day government shutdown caused significant disruptions, with controllers and TSA officers missing work due to a lack of pay, leading to extended wait times at checkpoints and subsequent air traffic slowdowns.
The impact of such shutdowns on airport workers is significant. Firstly, they are faced with the challenge of managing increased wait times at checkpoints. As a result of reduced staffing, those workers who are required to continue working without pay during a shutdown face increased pressure and longer work hours, which can lead to decreased morale and increased stress. This can further result in a higher risk of burnout and a decline in overall job satisfaction.
Additionally, the absence of paychecks can create financial hardships for airport workers, especially those who rely solely on their income from these jobs to make ends meet. This can cause anxiety and worry among employees, impacting their focus and performance at work. It may also lead to a sense of resentment towards the government or employers, potentially resulting in decreased productivity and motivation.
Moreover, the shutdowns can disrupt the routine operations of the airport, causing confusion and uncertainty among workers. With air traffic being slowed down, there may be a need for rescheduling and rearranging flights, which can be a challenging task for those working in operations and logistics. This can also impact workers in other airport departments, such as customer service, as they may have to deal with disgruntled passengers who are facing delays or cancellations.
Overall, the impact of potential airport shutdowns or even extended delays has far-reaching consequences for airport workers, affecting their financial stability, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction. It is important for airport authorities and government bodies to work together to minimize the impact on employees and ensure that their rights and well-being are protected during such challenging times.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but in 2019, a 35-day government shutdown caused flight delays at major US airports and increased wait times.
The number of absences by controllers and TSA officers rose as workers missed paychecks.
The TSA Administrator has warned that an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports. About 59,000 of 62,000 employees are considered essential and would continue working without pay.
During the shutdown, the FAA was forced to slow air traffic, and travellers experienced extended checkpoint wait times at some airports.
