Videos and reports of travelers stranded for hours at Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport early this week, due to the staffing shortage amid the ongoing US government shutdown, urged caution among those scheduled to take flights this weekend or the next week. As the shutdown continues through its 37th day from 1 October, the airport staffing crisis deepens only to cause travel disruptions over possible flight delays and cancellations this holiday season.
Adding fuel to the fire is DOT Secretary Sean Duffy’s warning that if the government shutdown does not end, 40 major US airports would see a 10% cut in flight operations starting 7 November. The unprecedentedly longest shutdown in the history of America has sent airlines into a tizzy over last-minute preparedness for a potential 10% reduction in flights to and from 40 airports nationwide, including 30 high-traffic airports. Though the official list of airports to be impacted by FAA’s call for a 10% cut in flight numbers is to be released, some target airports are:
Major US Airports to see flights cut amid the government shutdown
- Boston Logan International (BOS)
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International, ATL
- Dallas Fort-Worth International, DFW
- Charlotte Douglas International, CLT
- Washington Dulles International, IAD
- Denver International, DEN
- Newark Liberty International, EWR
- New York JFK International, JFK
- George Bush Houston Intercontinental
- Los Angeles International, LAX
- San Francisco International, SFO
- Chicago O’Hare International, ORD
- Memphis International, MEM
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International, PHX
- Seattle/Tacoma International, SEA
- Philadelphia International, PHL
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country, DTW
- Indianapolis International, IND
US Airport Travel Tips amid the Government Shutdown
Stay Alert and Show up Early at Airport
Keep an eye on your phone and the email inbox for notifications from the airline or your travel agency. Do also keep your booking PNR handy to check flight confirmation online or with the airline directly. If your scheduled departure is not affected by the FAA’s planned 10% cut in flights, show up early at the airport to avoid missing the flight. Minimum 4 hours of buffer time for airport check-in and TSA security clearance is recommended given the airport staffing crisis induced by the government shutdown. FYI, some major US airports are sharing real-time updates on wait times through their websites and mobile apps.
Avoid a tight connection in your itinerary
If your itinerary has a tight connection at a major US airport, rethink it given the current slowdown in the airport procedure. Rather, rebook an itinerary with a relaxed domestic to international or international to domestic connection in the US. For instance, if the Phoenix to Los Angeles/San Francisco leg of your itinerary has a tight connection, consider taking a road trip to LAX or SFO Airport from Phoenix. Don’t forget to keep the airline informed to avoid being marked ‘No-Show’ at Phoenix Airport.
Travel light with fewer bags
You may have got many dresses to pack in for an event in India, gifts for friends, etc. But Traveling with too many bags will amplify inconvenience for you given long queues and limited staffing at TSA checkpoints amid the government shutdown mayhem. If you are traveling with kids and/or elderly family members this holiday season, it is wise to pack in only necessary things complying with the TSA guidelines for liquids and restricted items. At the same time, don’t overlook airline-specific restrictions for power banks and electronic items on board.
Buy only refundable flight tickets
“If you have not yet booked your winter holiday trip for some or the other reason, make sure to buy last-minute flight tickets with refundable fares. What if the FAA order for flights cut affects your trip from any of the 40 US airports affected by the government shutdown. We have the best affordable phone-only deals for last-minute flights to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the UAE. The offline fare deals from our airline partners are just a call away at +1800-615-3969,” said the chief customer support officer of IndianEagle.com.
Compassion and Cooperation are the key
Don’t forget that the airport staff and TSA agents have been working unpaid for more than 30 days due to the US government shutdown. Compassion for and cooperation with them will let you navigate through the airport situation that may go further downhill in the coming days. It would be great of you to reduce their workload by following the guidelines, like carrying valid travel documents, adhering to the permissible checked baggage allowance, avoiding chunky jewellery and belts with large metal buckles.
