How a prolonged U.S. shutdown could disrupt your travel plans

A lengthy U.S. government shutdown can ripple through travel: slower passport and visa processing, reduced TSA and FAA staffing that increases lines and delays, pauses to Trusted Traveler enrollments, closed national parks, museums, and monuments, and limited consular support abroad. Refund rules remain airline-specific, but disruptions may trigger rebooking hassles and extra costs. Travelers should build buffer time, carry copies, monitor advisories, confirm park/site status, and review travel insurance for coverage of delays and cancellations.

The government shutdown kicked in on Wednesday after President Trump and lawmakers failed to secure a funding agreement. As a result, many essential aviation workers are staying on the job without pay until the government reopens.

Travelers may not notice immediate disruptions, but if the stoppage drags on, airport security lines could grow, and delays or cancellations may occur. Industry experts warn that longer shutdowns risk overburdening TSA staff and air traffic controllers, leaving national parks under-maintained, and slowing critical upgrades to travel systems.

Passengers can still board flights since air traffic controllers and TSA officers remain in place, though both groups are under strain. The longer staff go unpaid, the more the system weakens, leading to potential gaps in coverage. A similar scenario unfolded during the 35-day shutdown of 2018–19, when airports faced sick calls, lawsuits, and even terminal closures.

This shutdown is particularly tough because TSA and the FAA were already dealing with staffing shortfalls, including thousands fewer air traffic controllers than needed. Union leaders caution that the situation erodes safety by adding stress to overworked controllers and leaving outdated equipment poorly supported.

Past shutdowns saw controllers working extreme hours while TSA attrition climbed, raising serious security concerns beyond simple travel delays. Ports of entry remain open, with tens of thousands of Customs and Border Protection officers still on duty, so international arrivals and land crossings continue.

Passport and visa processing remain mostly unaffected because U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is fee-funded, though its E-Verify program is suspended. Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will stay open for now, with updates available online.

National parks will mostly remain accessible, but closures are possible if resources degrade, trash accumulates, or areas become unsafe. Overall, the shutdown creates growing uncertainty for travelers the longer it continues, potentially undermining both convenience and aviation safety.

For questions or comments write to contactus@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: NDTV‍