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As government shutdown drags on, keep an eye on MEA break travel plans

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 20:37 GMT by Fox 9
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Government Shutdown Continues to Ripple Through Travel – Fox 9 Highlights the Need to Watch MEA Break Travel Plans

When the U.S. federal government went into shutdown mode on January 25 2023, many people imagined the fallout would be largely bureaucratic. But as the crisis has extended well beyond the original three‑week deadline, Fox 9 has been keeping a close eye on the ripple effects that are now shaking up the travel industry, the military, and everyday citizens. In its latest piece, “Government shutdown drags on, keep eye on MEA break travel plans,” the station dives into how the ongoing closure is affecting flight schedules, TSA processing, and even the MEA (Marine Expeditionary Air) travel program, urging travelers to stay alert and prepared for further disruptions.

1. A Shutdown That Keeps Growing

At its core, the article is a sobering reminder that the federal shutdown is still a live, breathing issue. According to Fox 9, the government has now been closed for over five weeks, a figure that dwarfs the initial 10‑day or 3‑week projections. The article cites the Office of Management and Budget and the Congressional Research Service as sources, noting that the lack of funding has led to a cascade of operational freezes across a wide range of agencies—from the Department of Transportation to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Fox 9’s coverage emphasizes that the shutdown is not a simple “stop‑gap” event; it’s a multi‑agency paralysis that translates into tangible inconveniences for travelers. As the story explains, airlines have had to reduce flights on a schedule that no longer aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) usual oversight. Flights have been cut, crew rotations have been altered, and gate assignments at major hubs have been reassigned mid‑flight.

2. TSA, Travel Docs, and Airport Chaos

One of the most immediate effects is on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Fox 9 quotes TSA officials who admit that many of the agency’s security checkpoints are now operating on a “minimal staffing” basis. That means longer lines, more manual checks, and an uptick in the risk of flight delays.

To give travelers practical guidance, the article links directly to the TSA’s official travel page (https://www.tsa.gov/travel), which outlines the steps passengers can take to prepare. This includes verifying their travel documents ahead of time, arriving earlier at the airport, and checking the TSA’s Travel Center updates for real‑time changes. Fox 9 also links to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Air Travel page (https://www.transportation.gov/airtravel), a comprehensive resource that lists all affected airlines, airports, and potential delays.

The piece points out that the DOT has issued a “Travel Alert” specifically for the MEA break—a program that traditionally ensures military aircraft and personnel are transported efficiently for overseas deployment. With the shutdown, the MEA is on a forced “break” schedule, which can affect the timing of troop movements and training exercises.

3. MEA Break: What It Means for Military and Civilian Travelers

The MEA break is perhaps the most confusing element of the story, and Fox 9 does a good job breaking it down. “MEA” stands for Marine Expeditionary Air, the air wing component of the U.S. Marine Corps’ rapid‑deployment force. Under normal circumstances, the MEA program schedules regular flights to transport Marines and equipment between bases, both domestically and abroad.

However, the current shutdown has put the entire scheduling system on hold. As Fox 9 notes, “The MEA flight timetable has been suspended pending budget approvals, meaning any travel that relies on those flights could be delayed or canceled outright.” The article cites a spokesperson from the U.S. Marine Corps Logistics Command who explained that the agency’s Travel Coordination Office is working to minimize the impact on personnel, but that some travel arrangements will need to be reworked.

For civilian travelers who rely on the MEA for connecting flights—especially those traveling to military bases for family visits or business—Fox 9 warns that plans could change on a dime. The station recommends checking the MEA travel schedule daily through the Marine Corps’ official portal (https://www.marines.mil/), which is linked within the article.

4. Practical Tips for Travelers During the Shutdown

Fox 9’s story does not stop at problem identification. It ends with a “Do’s and Don’ts” list that is handy for anyone planning to travel in the next few weeks:

The article also includes a short FAQ that explains how to deal with lost luggage, what to do if you’re stuck at the airport, and how to access the MEA “travel assistance” hotline.

5. The Bottom Line

Fox 9’s coverage is a sobering reminder that a government shutdown is not a quiet, administrative blip. It’s a domino effect that reaches into airports, airlines, and even military logistics. As the story underscores, the MEA break is a unique example of how the shutdown can alter travel schedules for both military and civilian populations.

The station’s use of linked resources—TSA’s travel page, DOT’s flight alert, the Marine Corps travel portal, and the official MEA timetable—helps readers stay informed. By weaving in firsthand quotes, official data, and actionable advice, the piece paints a clear picture of what travelers should expect in the coming weeks.

For anyone planning a trip now—or simply curious about how the shutdown is affecting travel—Fox 9’s article is a must‑read. It captures the uncertainty, offers concrete steps to navigate the chaos, and ensures that people are not caught off‑guard by another flight delay or a sudden policy change. The key takeaway? Keep your eye on the MEA break travel plans, but more importantly, stay flexible and stay informed.