Potential US government shutdown raises concerns over holiday travel impacts

Research

Emily Thompson Credit cards editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Dec 20, 2024

Congress is once again facing a potential government shutdown as it scrambles to pass a spending bill before the short-term funding expires at 12:01 a.m. EST on December 21. If no action is taken, federal agencies will halt operations and most government workers will be furloughed, excluding those in essential services like the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Despite this looming shutdown coinciding with a busy holiday travel season, TSA administrator David Pekoske stated that "nearly all of its 62,000 employees are considered essential" and would continue working, albeit without pay until the shutdown ends. This could result in longer wait times at airports over the holidays due to possible absenteeism.

Air travelers are not expected to see major disruptions initially since both TSA and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees are deemed essential. However, labor shortages at the FAA might exacerbate issues such as flight cuts at major airports.

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Reflecting on past shutdowns, increased absenteeism among air traffic controllers led to temporary closures and delays at several airports during the 2018-19 shutdown.

National parks may face closures or reduced services if the shutdown occurs due to staffing issues stemming from reliance on government funding. The National Park Service issued a contingency report stating that "the majority of National Park sites will be closed completely to public access" during a lapse in appropriations.

Museums like those under the Smithsonian Institution might remain open temporarily using reserve funds but could close if funds run out, similar to events during previous shutdowns.

Amtrak trains are anticipated to operate normally as they did in past shutdowns; however, prolonged disruptions could affect subsidies and operations eventually.

The U.S. State Department's passport processing is expected to continue as an essential service but may slow down due to potential office closures and unpaid staff leading to absenteeism.

Cruise operations and border crossings should remain unaffected by any potential government closure since customs, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Border Patrol are classified as essential services.

Geoff Freeman from the U.S. Travel Association warned that "a prolonged government shutdown threatens holiday travel disruptions that Americans won't tolerate," highlighting economic losses estimated at $140 million daily due to deferred projects and longer airport wait times impacting travel plans.

As Congress races against time for partial funding through March 2025, travelers should prepare for possible delays by allowing extra time for security checks if traveling this weekend or next week.