Ruth Haines
Airports will remain open during a government shutdown, but there may be travel disruptions if the shutdown is extended. While air traffic controllers and TSA agents are deemed essential employees and will be required to work through a government shutdown, they will not be paid. This has previously led to a spike in sick days and absenteeism, causing delays at airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Impact on airports | Minimal impact initially, but the longer the shutdown, the greater the risk of disruptions |
| TSA agents | Deemed essential employees and required to work without pay; may call in sick, leading to longer wait times |
| Air traffic controllers | Deemed essential employees and required to work without pay; may call in sick, leading to flight delays |
| Customs and Border Protection agents | Deemed essential employees and will continue to work |
| Airport security checkpoints | Remain open, but with possible longer wait times |
| Passport applications | May be impacted, with some passport offices closed |
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What You'll Learn
- Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are deemed essential and will work without pay
- Absenteeism among unpaid workers may cause flight disruptions and airport closures
- Airports will remain open during a government shutdown
- Longer wait times at airports are expected during a shutdown
- Passport offices in some areas may be closed during a shutdown
Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are deemed essential and will work without pay
During a government shutdown, air traffic controllers and TSA agents are deemed essential employees and will continue to work without pay. This is because they perform jobs that affect national health, safety, emergency response, and other critical functions. While airport operations and flights will function normally initially, a prolonged shutdown may cause delays.
Air traffic controllers are responsible for maintaining the reliability and safety of the nation's aviation network. They work long hours under tremendous responsibility, and their absence can cause significant disruptions to the safety of the nation's airspace. During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, air traffic controllers threatened to walk off the job, and a higher rate of absences slowed down travel in some airports.
TSA agents are some of the lowest-paid workers in the federal workforce. During previous shutdowns, many TSA agents have called in sick rather than report for unpaid work, leading to lengthy delays at security checkpoints. The TSA has cautioned that a government shutdown could lead to longer wait times for travelers at airport security checkpoints.
The impact of a government shutdown on air travel depends on its duration. While planes will continue flying and airport security checkpoints will remain open, the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the risk of disruptions. Travelers may not notice the impacts immediately, but as the shutdown stretches on, issues such as absenteeism and financial difficulties may lead to flight disruptions.
To prepare for a potential government shutdown, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. This is especially important during peak travel periods, as longer wait times at airports may occur due to reduced staffing and increased crowds.
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Absenteeism among unpaid workers may cause flight disruptions and airport closures
While a government shutdown may not affect airports immediately, the longer it stretches on, the greater the risk of disruptions. During a shutdown, air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are considered "excepted employees" or "essential employees" and would have to work without pay. These employees perform jobs critical to national health, safety, and emergency response.
However, as seen during previous shutdowns, this could disrupt the safety of the nation's airspace and cause major delays for travelers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. For instance, in 2019, a month into a government shutdown, air traffic controllers started calling in sick, leading to a temporary shutdown of LaGuardia Airport, coupled with delays at Newark, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Absences among TSA agents also rose during that shutdown, as they were working without pay and started facing financial difficulties. The national rate for unscheduled absences for TSA agents reached 10%, leading to long lines at airports, with wait times to get through TSA checkpoints lasting more than an hour in some places.
Similarly, during the shutdown over the 2018 holiday season, air traffic controllers threatened to walk off the job, and a higher rate of absences slowed down travel in some airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is already grappling with a shortage of air traffic controllers, and a shutdown could further exacerbate this issue, causing flight delays and disruptions.
While airport operations and flights are expected to continue as normal during a shutdown, the TSA has cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could lead to longer wait times for travelers at airport security checkpoints. This is due to the possibility of a significant number of TSA employees not showing up to work, as they are not receiving pay during the shutdown.
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Airports will remain open during a government shutdown
During a government shutdown, air travel managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airport security managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to operate, but at lower levels of service. This is because only some FAA and TSA employees are exempt from furlough and are required to continue working without pay if the government shuts down.
TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and other essential airport staff will remain on the job, but they are some of the lowest-paid workers in the federal workforce. During previous shutdowns, this has led to a spike in sick days, which caused long lines at airports and forced some flights to depart from different terminals.
The State Department has said that consulates in the U.S. and abroad would remain open during a shutdown, and passport renewal would be available unless the passport agency is located in a government building that is "affected by a lapse in appropriations." However, passport offices in some areas could be closed, making it harder for travelers to update travel documents or resolve other issues.
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Longer wait times at airports are expected during a shutdown
While a government shutdown may not affect airports immediately, longer wait times at airports are expected if the shutdown is extended. This is because, during a government shutdown, only essential federal services will continue to operate, and federal employees providing these services will have to work without pay.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and air traffic controllers are deemed essential employees and will be required to work during a government shutdown. However, they will not be paid until the government comes to a deal and the shutdown ends. During previous shutdowns, many TSA agents and air traffic controllers have called in sick rather than work without pay. This has led to lengthy delays at security checkpoints, with wait times to get through TSA checkpoints lasting more than an hour in some places.
The head of the TSA, David Pekoske, has warned that an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports. He advised travelers to arrive at the airport early, with plenty of time to park their cars, check their bags, and go through security. The U.S. Travel Association has also stated that a government shutdown could cost the sector $1 billion per week, as disruptions would occur during a peak travel period.
In addition to longer wait times at airports, a government shutdown may also cause flight delays and disruptions to the safety of the nation's airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is already facing a shortage of air traffic controllers, and a shutdown could further stress those forced to work without pay. During the last shutdown, it only took 10 air traffic controllers calling in sick on the same day to temporarily halt travel at LaGuardia Airport in New York City and cause delays at several other airports.
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Passport offices in some areas may be closed during a shutdown
A government shutdown will impact passport processing. While the U.S. Passport Agency remains open during a shutdown, passport offices in some areas may be closed, making it harder for travelers to update their travel documents or address other issues. The State Department has stated that consulates in the U.S. and abroad would remain open during a shutdown, and passport renewal would be available unless the passport agency is located in a government building that is "affected by a lapse in appropriations."
Passport agencies located inside federal buildings will likely be closed during a government shutdown. Even if you live near a regional passport agency, there is a possibility that it may be closed or have limited hours of operation if it is housed in a federal building. The State Department has indicated that passport processing times can vary during a shutdown, with routine processing typically taking 8-11 weeks but potentially taking longer during a shutdown.
If you are applying for a first-time passport, replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, or applying for a passport for a child, it is recommended to bring your documents to the nearest open passport office. Obtaining a passport during a government shutdown can be challenging, especially if you are in a hurry. Passport processing times may increase, and certain passport services may not be available.
If you are traveling soon and require a passport during a government shutdown, it is advisable to apply for your passport immediately. In the past, passport offices have typically remained operational only while funds lasted during government shutdowns. Therefore, it is crucial to allow for potential delays and plan accordingly when applying for or renewing a passport during a government shutdown.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports will remain open during a government shutdown, and flights and airport operations should function normally initially. However, a prolonged shutdown may cause delays.
TSA agents are deemed essential employees and will be required to work during a government shutdown. However, they may start calling in sick, which could lead to longer wait times at security screening checkpoints.
Air traffic controllers are also deemed essential employees and will be expected to work without pay. However, they already work long hours, and a shutdown may cause some to retire early, exacerbating existing staffing shortages.
