November brought significant turbulence in the U.S. travel industry, stemming from the longest government shutdown in the country’s history.
As the shutdown persists, and TSA workers and air traffic controllers continue to miss paychecks, travelers will face more delays and disruptions, officials have warned.
On Nov. 4, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of “mass chaos” in the skies, reported The Associated Press.
More recently, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered schedule reduction at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports due to safety concerns. Sunday, Nov. 9, saw more than 2,800 cancellations and 10,200 delays, the worst since the start of the government shutdown, reported Reuters.
The situation is becoming more complicated as Thanksgiving approaches and more people plan to fly. These Thanksgiving travel disruptions could impact the country’s economic growth, according to White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett.
“Thanksgiving time is one of the hottest times of the year for the economy… and if people aren’t traveling at that moment, then we really could be looking at a negative quarter for the fourth quarter,” Hassett told the CBS show “Face the Nation,” USAToday reported.
The FAA instructed airlines to cut 4% of daily flights at 40 major airports starting Nov. 7. These reductions in flights are required to reach 6% on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and then 10% by Nov. 14.
Flight tracking company FlightAware reveals that since Friday, Nov. 7, there were:
- 7,238 total cancellations within, into, or out of the United States.
- 10,718 total delays within, into, or out of the United States.
Meanwhile, thanks to these reductions, two major airports have experienced relief from delays and wait times over the weekend (Nov. 8-9).
Although security screening wait times have eased, officials remind passengers that wait times can vary from day to day.
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Passengers at Houston airports get break from long wait lines and delays
During the first weekend of November, TSA wait times at Bush Intercontinental surpassed three hours, while Hobby Airport averaged over 60 minutes, reported Fox 26 Houston.
By Tuesday, Nov. 4, TSA lines had improved at both Houston airports, though officials continued urging travelers to arrive early as the shutdown persisted, reported KHOU 11. According to Houston Airports at that time, average TSA wait times were 25 minutes at Bush Terminal E, 15 minutes at Terminal A, and 10 minutes at Hobby.
During the weekend of Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, wait times at security checkpoints were under an hour, despite flight cancellations and staffing shortages, reported the Houston Chronicle.
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s Terminal E, wait times were around 40 minutes on Sunday evening, according to the Houston Airport System.
At Hobby Airport, wait times were even shorter, about 10 minutes for most of Nov. 9.
While the passengers had a break from long wait times at these two major airports, officials warned that projections remain uncertain, and that wait times can change from day to day.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport advises travelers to arrive early
On Nov. 10 at 2:51 a.m., George Bush Intercontinental Airport issued the following notice on its X (formerly Twitter) page.
“Good evening, travelers! Keep these things in mind if you are flying tomorrow (11/10). Arrive early for check-in and security screening. Download your airline’s app to get real-time flight updates.”
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The airport also provided a link to Houston Airport’s FAQ article, where flyers can find answers to commonly asked questions, including which checkpoints are open during the shutdown and where to find estimated security wait times.
As a result of the federal government shutdown, only TSA checkpoints at Terminals A and E are open for passenger screening. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available at both terminals.
For estimated security wait times, Houston Airports advises passengers to visit Fly2Houston.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s notice added:
“Due to the federal government shutdown TSA wait times may exceed 60 to 70 minutes.”
Travelers flying with United should check their baggage at Terminal C and then proceed to Terminal E for security screening.
Hobby Airport advises passengers to check their flight status with their airline
Hobby Airport also issued a new notification for travelers scheduled to fly from HOU on Nov. 10, advising passengers to check their flight status with their airline. The airport wrote the following message on X:
“Due to the federal government shutdown TSA wait times may exceed 30 to 45 minutes.”
Hobby Airport also suggested travelers arrive early and allow extra time for screening.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available.
Both airports are among the 40 major ones the FAA demanded to reduce flights. The two airports had a combined 184 cancellations from Friday until Sunday, reported Houston Chronicle, citing data from FlightAware.
When the shutdown had just begun and TSA employees were still working on their last paycheck, Vice President of American Federal Government Employees Council 100/TSA Region 7 Joe Shuker warned of possible consequences.
Shuker told MSNBC that the longer the shutdown lasts and agents are not getting paid, the greater the chances they’ll start calling in sick.
What’s more, Shuker stressed that even when TSA agents and air traffic controllers show up, the biggest concern persists, as agents must perform high-risk duties, such as searching for weapons, while worrying about missing paychecks.
In an October 28 press release, The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) noted that “air traffic controllers don’t start or stop government shutdowns — politicians do.”
Tips to avoid holdups at airport security checkpoints
To avoid delays, TSA reminds travelers to remove:
- Scarves or masks over your face
- Belts with metal buckles
- Heavy jewelry or watches
- Cordless hair stylers and lithium batteries
- Liquids, aerosols, or gels over 3.4 ounces
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