What a federal government shutdown might mean for travelers

"If US congressional lawmakers fail to agree on a spending package for the new fiscal year, which starts October 1, that could trigger a federal government shutdown. And that could mean significant travel disruptions for travelers in the US and for visitors from overseas. Impacts could be felt in longer airport lines, muddled itineraries and US National Park closures. In addition, big losses in tourism revenue could have significant repercussions for the US travel industry."

"Flights will continue to take off, but the aviation sector will be under duress and that means most likely some delays and cancellations. Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees who staff airport security checkpoints are typically deemed essential workers and must remain on the job, but they'll be working without pay. According to a plan the Transportation Department released in March, the more than 13,000 air traffic controllers will continue to work unpaid during any budget lapse resulting in a shutdown."

If US congressional lawmakers fail to approve a new fiscal-year spending package by October 1, a federal government shutdown could occur. A shutdown would cause longer airport security lines, muddled itineraries, and closures of US National Parks. Flights would keep operating but the aviation sector would face duress, likely producing delays and cancellations. Air traffic controllers and TSA checkpoint staff are considered essential and would be required to work without pay, with more than 13,000 controllers expected to continue working unpaid during a lapse. Staffing shortages have previously snarled travel; in January 2019 controller callouts temporarily shut down travel at LaGuardia. Tourism revenue losses could severely affect the travel industry.

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