Would a government shutdown affect your holiday travel? TSA checkpoints will remain open

Although the federal government plays a large role in the country’s transportation system, especially when it comes to air travel, most of those jobs are considered essential, even during a funding gap. That means the workers who screen you at airport security and give your flight clearance for takeoff will continue going to their jobs, though they won’t be getting paid until the funding issue is resolved. The agency also warns a prolonged shutdown could lead to longer waits at airport security.

“At the Transportation Security Administration, part of the Department of Homeland Security, 59,000 of the agency’s 62,000-plus employees are considered essential and would continue working without pay in the event of a shutdown,” a TSA spokesperson told USA TODAY. “We expect to screen 40 million people over the holidays and through Jan. 2. While our personnel have prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure the security of our transportation systems, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports.”

During previous shutdowns, impacts on travel were minimal. In 2019 it took about two weeks of no pay before FAA controllers and TSA agents started not showing up for work. At that point, lines started stacking up at security checkpoints and flights were delayed. The government finally agreed to funding legislation shortly after and got things back in order.