Government Shutdown Impacts More Than 3.2 Million Airline Passengers—Here Are 6 T+L Editor Tips on How to Travel Smarter

With the government shutdown pushing into its fifth week, travelers are feeling the effects at airports across the country.

More than 3.2 million airline passengers have experienced a delay due to the shutdown, industry group Airlines for America confirmed to Travel + Leisure. These delays come as staffing shortages continue to plague air traffic controllers, the Associated Press reported. While these employees are considered essential and required to continue working during the shutdown, they are not currently receiving a paycheck.

But we have you covered. For passengers heading to the airport, these are the best tips from T+L editors to make the process easier, including the websites and apps to check before you leave home, when to head to the terminal, and more.

Arrive Early—and Prepared

More than 2 million passengers typically travel through airports in the United States every day, so getting there early to beat the crowds is essential. In fact, it was the top tip from every T+L editor. In other words, this is not the time to test the viral “airport theory” in which people head to the terminal at the very last minute.

“I’d say my biggest tip is getting to the airport early,” T+L Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford said, “and packing extra snacks for your kids!”

Gifford has also encouraged travelers to allot extra time for connections, and make a backup plan in case their flight is delayed or canceled. 

Change Your Plans to Add Buffer

If you have a big trip or a major life event you’re planning to attend, then consider changing your itinerary to add a little buffer time or swapping for the first flight out so you have options later in the day if there are delays and cancellations. “I recently went to a wedding and happened to be going a day early (and on the first flight out) so I avoided a lot of cancellations and had wiggle room if anything happened,” T+L Senior Editor Susmita Baral said.

Bookmark Helpful Websites and Apps

Many airlines offer mobile apps with updated departure data, advance re-booking options, and more, which can be a time-saving tool to help during a cancellation or delay.

“Make sure you’ve downloaded your airline’s app on your phone!” T+L Assistant Editor Jalyn Robinson said. “The better apps will give you real-time updates on your flights, and if you get stuck in security and miss your flight, you can rebook directly on the app.”

Some apps even provide access to meal vouchers and complimentary hotel options if a flight is canceled.

Another helpful website is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) National Airspace System Status, which displays departure delays, ground delays, and any airport closures, said T+L Senior Visual Editor Taylor McIntyre.

Don’t Assume Comfort Equals Smooth Sailing

Passengers in premium cabins generally have access to expedited or private security lines, however our editors have found you can’t always count on these during the shutdown.

“Don’t just assume you won’t be affected because you’re flying business or first class,” T+L’s Senior Editorial Director Nina Ruggiero said. “I just flew Delta One between LAX and JFK during the shutdown, and the private check-in areas are closed at both airports due to staffing challenges. No matter how you’re flying, leave yourself extra time.”

Scan Social Media

Social media can be a great tool for crowdsourcing information, and that extends to airports. In addition to scanning airline and government websites about potential delays, travelers can investigate flight issues on popular social media sites. 

“I’ve started doing a quick search for news and social media updates for the airport I’m flying out of,” Baral added. “If there’s chatter of delays, I am making sure to go even earlier.”

Some airports also publish Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wait times on their websites to give travelers a heads up before they come, including New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and more.

Pack Your Patience

It’s easier said than done, but regardless of the circumstances, fretting over a delay won’t help anyone. “Pack your patience, that’s always my No. 1 travel mantra,” Gifford said.

Robinson echoed the sentiment, reminding travelers to “treat TSA agents with respect and kindness—it’s not their fault you’re waiting, and they also aren’t getting paid!”