✈️ What to Expect When Traveling During a Government Shutdown

If you’ve ever tried to book a trip during a U.S. government shutdown, you’ve probably found yourself wondering: “Wait… can I even fly?”

The short answer: yes, you can. The longer answer: it might not be as smooth as usual.

Shutdowns don’t completely shut down travel, but they do mess with the behind-the-scenes stuff that keeps everything running—especially at airports and national parks. So if you’ve got a flight, a road trip, or even a big international getaway coming up, here’s what you can expect (and how to keep things from getting too stressful).

🛫 Airport Security and TSA: Still Open, But… Slower

Here’s the good news first: airports don’t close during a government shutdown. TSA officers and air traffic controllers are considered “essential employees,” which means they still have to show up—just without pay until the shutdown ends.

The bad news? That can lead to:

• Longer security lines (especially early mornings or Mondays)

• Random lane closures if staffing is thin

• Delays caused by “sick outs” or staffing gaps

💡 Tips to Make Security Smoother:

• Get to the airport earlier than usual — add at least 30 extra minutes to your normal arrival time.

• Use TSA PreCheck or Clear if you have it. These programs still function normally and can save serious time.

• Pack smart: Avoid liquids and electronics that could get flagged for extra screening.

• Be kind to TSA officers. Seriously—they’re working without pay and taking a lot of heat from frustrated travelers. A little patience (or even just a smile) goes a long way.

🗺️ Air Traffic Controllers: The Hidden Heroes of Shutdown Season

Air traffic controllers are another group who keep working unpaid during a shutdown. That means they’re doing one of the most stressful jobs imaginable under extra strain—so occasional slowdowns are normal.

What that looks like for you:

• Slightly longer taxi times or departure delays

• More cautious spacing between flights (especially in bad weather)

• Ground stops in extreme cases if staffing drops

✈️ Travel-Pro Tips:

• Book morning flights — delays tend to snowball later in the day.

• Avoid tight layovers if you can. Give yourself a little buffer.

• Download your airline’s app and sign up for text alerts. If things slow down, you’ll be the first to know.

🧾 Passports and Global Entry: Technically Running, But Don’t Count on Speed

The State Department usually continues processing passports as long as they still have funding. That said, things can slow down—especially if a shutdown drags on.

What to expect:

• Routine passport processing could take weeks longer than usual.

• Passport agencies in federal buildings might close.

• Global Entry interviews or renewals may be postponed.

🛂 Quick Fixes:

• Check your passport expiration date now, not later. You typically need at least six months of validity beyond your return date.

• If you need a new passport, go to a regional passport agency or expedited service before the shutdown hits.

• Already applied? You can track your status online at travel.state.gov.

🌲 National Parks and Museums: Open (Sort of), but Bare Bones

National Parks are the poster child for shutdown chaos. Some stay open with skeleton crews, others close completely. Those that do stay open often have:

• No rangers or guides

• No trash collection or bathroom maintenance

• Closed visitor centers

Museums that fall under the Smithsonian Institution or National Park Service, like the National Zoo or the Statue of Liberty, usually shut down too.

🚙 If You’re Road-Tripping:

• Check the park’s website or social media before heading out.

• Bring your own food, water, and bathroom backup plan (seriously).

• Be respectful of closures—if gates are locked or trails are closed, don’t try to sneak in.

🏢 International Travelers and Visas

If you’re flying to the U.S. or need a visa, there could be hiccups. U.S. embassies abroad often run on reserve funds during a shutdown, but when those run out, visa processing slows—or stops.

🌍 Quick Advice:

• Double-check your visa appointment before you go.

• Apply early if your trip is coming up soon.

• Keep copies of your travel confirmations just in case you need to reschedule.

💰 Refunds, Cancellations, and Travel Insurance

Shutdowns don’t automatically qualify as “extraordinary circumstances,” so you won’t always get free refunds. But some companies do try to help if government-run sites (like national parks or monuments) are affected.

What to do:

• Contact your airline or tour company directly if your plans include closed federal attractions.

• Consider Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance—it’s the only policy type that might cover shutdown-related cancellations.

• If you’re rebooking, aim for flexible fares or hotels with no cancellation fees.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Final Thoughts: Stay Flexible, Stay Kind, Stay Ready

A government shutdown won’t ground your travel dreams—but it can make the journey a little bumpier. You’ll still get where you’re going; it just might take a few extra minutes and a little extra patience.

Bring snacks. Charge your phone. Leave early. And remember, the people keeping your plane in the air or your bag moving down the belt are doing it because they care—not because they’re getting paid that week.

If you stay calm and prepared, you’ll breeze through the chaos better than most.