TSA Issues Warning Of Potential Holiday Travel Delays Due To US Government Shutdown

Travelers are being alerted to the possibility of delays and interruptions during what is anticipated to be one of the busiest Christmas travel seasons in years due to the impending shutdown of the US government, which is scheduled to start on December 21. Furloughs and operational halts might result from underfunding federal agencies; the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), air traffic control , and other critical services are the most urgent targets.
Later Thursday, House Republicans will vote on a 116-page plan that has been trimmed down to keep the government functioning and provide disaster relief, the Associated Press reported. Congress must enact a funding package by midnight on December 21 in order to finance the government into March 2025. The government will shut down, impacting everything from federal services to national parks, if a deal cannot be reached. But the primary concern for tourists is how the closure would impact air travel and the TSA .
Most TSA employees would remain on duty
TSA Administrator David P. Pekoske stated on social media that the majority of the agency’s staff will remain on duty throughout the shutdown, although he noted that there may be longer airport wait times.
The TSA, which is responsible for airport security screenings, has already warned that a prolonged shutdown could lead to longer wait times at security checkpoints. During a 35-day shutdown in 2019, more controllers and TSA personnel missed work, which resulted in longer wait times at checkpoints at several airports. Legislators were under pressure to break the impasse after the FAA was compelled to limit flight traffic. According to Skift, TSA agents, working without pay, began calling in sick, resulting in long security lines at major airports across the country.
Airlines, including American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , United Airlines , and Southwest Airlines , are expecting to fly millions of passengers over the holidays. The TSA anticipates screening up to 40 million passengers from December 19 through January 2, Axios reported. With the holiday season already expected to be one of the busiest travel periods in history, the risk of delays is high, especially if the shutdown lingers into the new year.
Photo: Milstead Photography | Shutterstock
What travelers need to know
Passport and visa services could also be delayed, although the State Department has indicated in a recent document that consulates will continue to operate if they have sufficient fee revenue to cover costs. However, extended delays in passport processing could arise if the shutdown continues long enough to deplete these funds.
Customs and Border Protection ( CBP ) officers, like TSA agents and air traffic controllers, are considered essential and would be required to continue working during the shutdown. This means that customs processing at airports, cruise ports, and land border crossings would remain operational. However, the risk of delays increases if a prolonged shutdown leads to absenteeism or understaffing.
Related How Delta Teams And Technology Will Handle 9 Million Holiday Passengers Delta Air Lines has issued a very practical but simple guide to getting through the holidays unscathed.
Additionally, according to USA TODAY, there may be negative economic effects. The US Travel Association estimates that a government shutdown could cost the nation’s travel business up to $140 million a day.
What Happens if the Shutdown Continues?
The potential impact of the shutdown on travel will largely depend on its duration. Short-term disruptions are expected to be minimal, as essential government workers will remain on the job. However, if the shutdown extends beyond a few days, absenteeism and staffing shortages could cause significant delays, especially at airports.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
Travelers are urged to prepare for longer wait times at security checkpoints and increased flight delays, particularly if the shutdown extends into the heart of the holiday season. Those planning to visit national parks or travel internationally should also expect potential closures or delays in services.