What This DHS Shutdown Could Mean for Your Travel Plans
- Christianne Klein
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security is beginning to ripple across the U.S. travel system - not by stopping it, but by introducing instability into the parts travelers rely on most.
TSA Operations Continue - But Under Strain
The Transportation Security Administration remains operational, with more than 95% of its workforce classified as “essential.” That means tens of thousands of officers are still staffing checkpoints at over 400 airports nationwide.
However, those employees are currently working without pay.
Historically, this is where disruption begins. During past shutdowns- particularly the 35-day shutdown in 2018–2019, and again during the record-long shutdown in 2025- unpaid TSA officers led to increased callouts, reduced staffing at checkpoints, and significantly longer security lines. As financial strain builds, absenteeism tends to rise, and even modest staffing gaps can slow screening processes and create bottlenecks that ripple across the entire travel system.
The result is not widespread airport closures, but longer wait times and a higher likelihood of delays, especially during peak travel periods.
Flights Are Operating - But Delays Can Increase
Air traffic controllers, who fall under the Federal Aviation Administration, continue to be paid and remain fully staffed. This reduces the risk of large-scale ground stops or nationwide disruptions to flight operations.
Even so, travel functions as an interconnected system. When TSA checkpoints slow down, passengers reach gates later, boarding is delayed, and flight schedules can begin to slip. These delays can compound throughout the day, particularly at high-volume airports.
Recent travel data already shows thousands of delays and cancellations across the U.S. over the last few days. While not solely caused by the shutdown - weather and airline operations are always factors - a strained security system increases the likelihood that small disruptions escalate.
Broader Travel Infrastructure Is Affected
The shutdown extends beyond airports. Agencies under DHS include the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Coast Guard.
FEMA faces limitations in reimbursing states for disaster relief, potentially affecting response readiness during emergencies.
The Coast Guard may scale back non-essential operations, impacting maritime travel and safety oversight.
Industry groups have warned that funding instability affects the entire travel ecosystem, from airport operations to tourism infrastructure, with economic consequences that can reach billions of dollars during prolonged shutdowns.
The Long-Term Impact on TSA Staffing
Beyond immediate delays, repeated shutdowns can create longer-term challenges for airport security operations.
When TSA officers are required to work without pay, financial strain increases. Many employees rely on consistent paychecks, and prolonged uncertainty can push workers to seek more stable employment elsewhere.
This creates two key risks over time:
Higher turnover, leading to fewer experienced officers
Recruitment challenges, making it harder to maintain full staffing levels
Because TSA roles require training and certification, staffing gaps cannot be quickly replaced. Over time, this can reduce efficiency at checkpoints even after a shutdown ends, contributing to longer wait times and less consistent screening operations.
A government shutdown does not halt travel, but it introduces stress into a system that depends on consistency and staffing reliability. The most immediate impact is longer security lines and an increased risk of delays. The longer-term concern is workforce instability within TSA, which can affect airport efficiency well beyond the duration of the shutdown.
As we navigate the latest partial government shutdown, pack your bags, but don’t forget to pack a little extra patience, too.
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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