Travel Plans During A State Shutdown: What You Can Do

Government shutdowns can have a significant impact on travel, with reduced spending and a reduced workforce affecting the aviation industry and the operation of national parks and museums. During a shutdown, air traffic controllers and TSA officers continue to work at full capacity but without pay, which can cause additional stress and lead to absences. This can result in longer security lines and increased wait times at airports, as well as flight delays and cancellations. Shutdowns can also disrupt passport processing and air traffic control training, causing long-term implications for the aviation industry. In addition, federally-run parks and museums may experience reduced hours or complete closures, leading travelers to reconsider their trips to these destinations. The impact of a shutdown on travel plans depends on various factors, including the duration of the shutdown and the specific state and local regulations in place.

Air travel may continue, but with longer wait times and more delays

During a state shutdown, air travel may continue, but with longer wait times and more delays. This is because, while air travel employees are deemed 'essential' workers and are thus required to work during a shutdown, they often do so without pay. This can lead to staff shortages as employees call in sick or stop showing up to work, causing longer wait times and delays for passengers.

In the US, air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees are considered essential personnel and are required to work without pay during a government shutdown, receiving back pay once the shutdown ends. However, as seen during the 2018-2019 government shutdown, the longest in US history, many of these employees called in sick or resigned rather than working without pay. This resulted in significant delays and longer wait times for travellers at airports across the country.

Similar issues can be expected during a state shutdown, with longer lines at security checkpoints and potential flight delays and cancellations. Airport and airline employees have advised travellers to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for these delays. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that a shutdown can also pause air traffic controller training, creating long-term consequences for the aviation industry.

It is important to note that the impact of a shutdown on air travel may vary depending on the specific state and the duration of the shutdown. However, travellers should be prepared for potential disruptions and delays when travelling by air during a state shutdown.

Overall, while air travel may continue during a state shutdown, passengers should expect longer wait times and potential delays or cancellations due to staff shortages.

Airports may close due to staff shortages

During a state shutdown, airports may close due to staff shortages. While "essential" government workers, including airport security, passport control, customs, and air traffic control staff, remain active, other airport employees may be furloughed. This can lead to flight delays, cancellations, and closures.

For example, during the 2018–2019 US government shutdown, staff shortages caused significant flight delays and cancellations. Washington Dulles International Airport closed screening lanes due to absences by unpaid TSA agents, and airports in Houston and Miami also announced closures due to agent no-shows.

Similarly, in 2022, staff shortages disrupted summer vacation plans and caused flight delays and cancellations. Amsterdam's Schiphol and London's Gatwick airports scrapped flights and limited passenger numbers during the peak travel season. High COVID-19 rates in Britain also contributed to staff absences, exacerbating the problem.

The impact of staff shortages on airports and travel plans can be significant, causing frustration and disappointment for travellers. It is essential for travellers to stay updated on the status of their flights and airports and be prepared for potential disruptions.

National parks and federally-run museums may close

When a government shutdown occurs, it can have a significant impact on travel. While some essential government workers, such as airport security staff, passport control officers, and air traffic controllers, are still required to work, a shutdown will result in the closure of many national parks and federally-run museums and institutions.

All 425 national park sites in the US are federally managed, and their operations are funded by the federal government. When a government shutdown occurs due to a failure to pass funding legislation, these parks are forced to close. This includes monuments, historic houses, battlefields, and other park system units. A shutdown could affect sites across all 50 states, as well as US territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and American Samoa. The closure of these parks puts family vacations, school trips, park protection, and local economies in jeopardy.

During a shutdown, national park amenities, including visitor centers, campgrounds, research facilities, and museums, are closed. Educational programs, ranger hikes, and service events are canceled. The Park Service's contingency plan calls for all parks to remain closed until funding is secured, and visitors are highly recommended to reschedule their trips.

In addition to national parks, federally-run museums may also close during a government shutdown. These include the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo.

The impact of a government shutdown on travel can be significant, with reduced access to national landmarks and attractions. It is essential to stay informed about the status of government operations and plan trips accordingly.

Passport processing may be delayed

During a state shutdown, passport processing may be delayed. This is because, while the State Department continues to provide passport services during a shutdown, it is often dealing with a major backlog of applications and higher-than-average wait times. In 2023, for example, the State Department was taking 10-13 weeks to process routine passport applications and 7-9 weeks for expedited processing. The State Department attributes these delays to a post-pandemic spike in passport demand from Americans.

In general, it is recommended that you try to get your passport before any government shutdown, as some passport services could be affected. For example, during a government shutdown, passport agencies that expedite applications for travellers flying within 14 business days may be closed if they are located in a federal building. Additionally, if the State Department must scale back its number of employees, processing times may increase.

However, it's important to note that the State Department's processing times during a shutdown remain at about four weeks for regular applications and two weeks for expedited applications. Moreover, essential government workers, including passport control staff, are still required to work during a shutdown, keeping any delays for passengers to a minimum.

To avoid potential delays, you can hire a private expediting company, which will be in constant communication with the relevant authorities regarding closures and wait times. While private expediters charge a fee on top of regular passport fees, they can help you avoid a trip to a closed location or a lengthy wait at an open location. Alternatively, you can apply for your passport at a local post office, as U.S. Postal Services are self-funded and remain open during a government shutdown.

State parks remain open during a shutdown

During a shutdown, state parks are typically operated and funded by the state government, which means they can continue their operations even when the federal government is shut down. This is in contrast to national parks, which are federally managed and funded, and therefore more likely to be directly impacted by a federal shutdown.

However, it's worth mentioning that even during a state shutdown, there may be some disruptions to services within state parks. For example, during the 2018-2019 partial government shutdown, some national parks remained accessible but with limited staff and services. While the gates remained open, there were few to no staff available to protect visitors and park resources, and many visitor centers and restrooms remained locked. Some roads within the parks were also closed due to weather conditions or maintenance issues.

It's always a good idea to check for updates and advisories before planning a trip to a state park during a shutdown, as the specific impacts can vary from park to park. It's also important to follow any safety guidelines and recommendations provided by the park authorities.

Overall, while state parks generally remain open during a shutdown, the level of accessibility and the availability of services may vary. It is advisable to check for the latest information and be prepared for potential disruptions to your travel plans.

Frequently asked questions