Impact of U.S. Government Shutdown on Travel Plans

Sun Oct 19 2025 17:44:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the U.S. government shutdown continues, travelers face potential disruptions including longer wait times at airports, flight delays, and cancellations, affecting both domestic and international travel.

The shutdown, which commenced due to Congress failing to agree on a funding deal, could lead to significant delays for airport security and air travel operations. The U.S. Travel Association warns of longer TSA lines and potential flight disruptions as airport staff work without pay. Although international ports remain open for travelers, the situation is fluid, with various services potentially impacted as the shutdown continues.

The recent U.S. government shutdown has the potential to disrupt travel with longer airport wait times, flight delays, and cancellations likely.

Beginning Wednesday, the shutdown arose from President Trump's inability to reach a funding agreement with Congress, which has resulted in the majority of employees necessary for maintaining air travel operations working without payment.

Geoff Freeman, president of the U.S. Travel Association, commented, The longer the shutdown continues, the more we will see issues such as prolonged TSA lines and additional flight cancellations. He also pointed to possible deterioration of national parks and delays in crucial travel infrastructure upgrades.

Flying During a Shutdown

Travelers still have the ability to fly during the shutdown, but they should anticipate longer wait times at security and possible flight disruptions. Approximately 13,200 air traffic controllers and 61,000 TSA workers are still active despite the funding lapse.

Past shutdowns indicate serious repercussions; for instance, in 2018-2019, a prolonged shutdown resulted in higher sickness rates among unpaid TSA employees, causing Miami International Airport to temporarily close one terminal.

International Travel Considerations

International travelers should be aware that ports of entry into the U.S. remain operational, with an estimated 63,000 Customs and Border Protection employees still working. However, the shutdown does impact services like the E-Verify program, which is crucial for employers checking employee work eligibility.

Visits to Museums and National Parks

Most Smithsonian museums and national parks are expected to remain open, at least temporarily, despite the ongoing shutdown. However, accessibility may vary depending on staffing and service availability.