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A government shutdown could be a traveler's nightmare

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 18:30 GMT by Business Insider
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How a U.S. Government Shutdown Could Impact Your Next Flight – A Deep‑Dive Summary

When most people think of a U.S. government shutdown, images of empty congressional offices or furloughed federal employees come to mind. Yet the ripple effects extend far beyond the halls of Washington, reaching airports, airlines, and, ultimately, your travel plans. Business Insider’s recent feature, “How a US government shutdown could impact your next flight,” lays out in detail the mechanisms by which a lapse in federal funding can turn routine travel into a logistical headache.

1. The Key Federal Agencies at Play

At the heart of the aviation ecosystem are three agencies whose functions could be compromised during a shutdown:

Business Insider notes that, unlike other federal entities, each of these agencies has an “essential” workforce that would stay on duty—yet the scale of that workforce could be dramatically reduced.

2. TSA: Security Screening Under Strain

TSA employees account for roughly 30 % of the total airport security workforce. During a shutdown, TSA would retain only a portion of its staff—often those deemed “essential” by the agency’s own criteria. The effect would be twofold:

1. Longer Lines and Delays – With fewer personnel on the gates, passengers may face longer waiting times, especially during peak travel periods.
2. Reduced Screening Flexibility – Some airports that rely heavily on federal TSA funding might find themselves with insufficient staffing to handle all passengers, prompting airlines to suspend flights at those locations.

The article cites a 2018–2019 shutdown in which the TSA reported “several hundred employees were furloughed,” causing some airports to operate at a reduced security level. Travelers were advised to arrive earlier than usual and to anticipate increased wait times.

3. FAA: Maintenance Checks and Air Traffic Control

The FAA’s dual role—maintaining the safety of aircraft and controlling the skies—makes its potential disruption especially consequential.

3.1 Aircraft Maintenance Inspections

• Airworthiness Directives and Periodic Maintenance Inspections require FAA inspectors to certify that an aircraft meets safety standards. If inspectors are furloughed, the final certification for maintenance procedures can be delayed. Airlines might then have to delay flights until inspections are complete.
• Business Insider points to small and regional carriers that rely heavily on FAA inspections. These carriers could face “extended maintenance downtimes,” potentially pulling a significant portion of their fleet from service.

3.2 Air Traffic Control (ATC)

• ATC staff would remain but at a reduced level. While the FAA declares ATC essential, it may not maintain the same staffing ratio. This could lead to increased flight delays as controllers manage a higher volume of traffic with fewer personnel.
• The article emphasizes that delays would not necessarily be catastrophic but would add to the “overall cost of travel” for passengers—especially if flights are rescheduled or canceled.

4. DOT’s Regulatory Role and Consumer Protection

The DOT is responsible for enforcing rules on airline safety, fare practices, and transparency. During a shutdown, its ability to process complaints and enforce consumer rights can be slowed. This could:

• Delays in processing overbooking disputes or refund requests.
• Reduced oversight over airline safety reporting, potentially allowing safety incidents to go unreported or unaddressed for longer periods.

5. The Cascading Impact on Airlines and Passengers

Airlines: While pilots and cabin crews are private-sector employees and generally not furloughed, they still depend on FAA certifications for their aircraft. If inspections are delayed, airlines might have to:

• Reschedule or cancel flights to comply with regulatory requirements.
• Increase operational costs to keep aircraft in service, costs that can ultimately be passed on to passengers.

Passengers: The most direct effect will be on you. Business Insider highlights three key takeaways for travelers:

1. Expect Longer Security Lines – Give yourself extra time, especially if you’re traveling during a shutdown.
2. Monitor Flight Status Closely – Airlines may change schedules without notice; keep an eye on updates and consider purchasing flexible tickets.
3. Know Your Rights – In case of cancellations or significant delays, be aware that DOT’s consumer protection services may be slowed but still available.

6. Past Shutdowns and Lessons Learned

The article contextualizes the potential impact by examining the 2018–2019 shutdown:

• Airline cancellations: Over 1,000 flights were canceled or delayed on the first day.
• Security staffing: TSA reported a 10 % reduction in staffing at major hubs.
• Financial hit: Airlines reportedly lost millions of dollars in revenue due to the sudden operational disruptions.

These real‑world examples underline the magnitude of even a brief funding lapse.

7. What Can Travelers Do?

The Business Insider piece concludes with practical advice:

• Check TSA and FAA status updates before traveling; many agencies publish a “status page” during shutdowns.
• Use flexible booking options or travel insurance that covers disruptions.
• Arrive early at the airport, anticipating longer lines and possible last‑minute cancellations.

8. Looking Ahead

With the political climate still fraught over appropriations, the risk of a future shutdown remains. This article serves as a timely reminder that a government shutdown isn’t just a political story—it’s a practical one that can ripple through the skies. By staying informed and planning ahead, travelers can mitigate the most disruptive effects of a federal funding pause.

Source: Business Insider article “How a US government shutdown could impact your next flight” (September 2025). Links within the piece to TSA, FAA, and DOT official pages were consulted for additional context.