Government shutdown could affect holiday air travel, TSA says

WASHINGTON – A looming government shutdown could occur if Congress doesn’t pass a funding bill by midnight Friday. If it happens, travelers flying to their holiday destinations might see longer lines at the airport, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

READ MORE: Clipper system could bring snow to West Virginia, Appalachians ahead of holiday

“While our personnel have prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure safe travel, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports,” TSA spokesman Carter Langston told the Associated Press.

The TSA expects to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2. Most TSA workers at airports, air traffic controllers, and customs agents are considered essential and would be required to work without pay in the event of a shutdown.

More uncompensated workers might call out sick the longer a shutdown lasts, leading to longer security lines and other delays. This was the case several weeks into a government shutdown that started in December 2019.

READ MORE: Inauguration Day 2025: Government shutdown looms, just 1 month away from Inauguration Day

Airlines expect their busiest days on Friday, Sunday, Dec. 26, Dec. 27, and Dec. 29. Flight traffic is expected to be light on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz advised travelers to “continue with their holiday plans, even if the shutdown materializes.” “Airport operations will continue as normal,” he added. “But perhaps run a bit slower than usual, so travelers should be aware of that.” 

READ MORE: House rejects government funding bill endorsed by Trump

The auto club predicts that more than 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year’s Day, topping the previous holiday-season high set in 2019. Airlines for America expects U.S. airlines to carry 54 million passengers during a 19-day period that started Thursday and ends Monday, Jan. 6, representing a 6% increase over last year.