Federal Government Shutdown impacts US air travel

The Federal Government shutdown is causing delays at major airports including Newark, Denver, and Burbank. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in LA was forced to close for several hours due to air traffic controller staffing shortages, leading to significant delays and average ground delays of two-and-a-half hours.

The disruption is due to essential employees, like Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers, working without pay, which has led to a noticeable increase in sick calls. Staffing issues have also been reported at airports in Boston, Chicago, Nashville, Philadelphia, and Dallas, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) having to reduce the number of take-offs and landings to maintain safety, resulting in flight delays and cancellations across the country.

MY TIPS FOR TRAVELERS:

1. Sign up for text alerts or download your airline's app to get the latest updates on your flight.

2. Arrive extra early because the lines could be longer than usual at TSA security checkpoints due to potential staffing shortages.

3. Check flight status frequently and be prepared for potential cancellations, especially if the shutdown persists. If your flight is delayed significantly (typically 3+ hours domestic or 6+ hours international), you may be entitled to a refund or rebooking.

4. Consider checking TSA wait times for your departure airport online, if available, to better plan your arrival.

Ultimately, travelers are advised to prioritize flexibility and monitor the situation closely, as the overall stability of the air travel system will continue to erode the longer the government remains closed.

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