Closures and storms stress airports: TPG tips for flying now

It’s been nearly a month since the federal government went into a partial shutdown, forcing air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers to work without pay.

Although flight delays stopped short of mass chaos in October, a combination of bad weather and growing frustration among unpaid workers could lead to major travel problems in the coming weeks.

In the New York City area on Thursday, delays piled up at the region’s three largest airports as a storm battered the Northeast, straining already understaffed air traffic control facilities.

At one point Thursday afternoon, average delays exceeded three hours at major hubs in the region as the FAA issued weather ground stops for John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

Meanwhile, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said this week that 44% of total flight delays on Sunday — and 24% on Monday — were caused by staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (up from an average of 5% in 2025).

Air traffic control staffing challenges fuel flight delays

Flight delays were a major concern when the lockdown began on October 1. Lawmakers and airline industry leaders feared weeks without pay This could lead to an increase in the number of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees calling in sick — a problem that hampered air travel during the last shutdown in 2019.

For most of October, the disruptions were more “day-to-day” and “site-to-site,” Duffy said at a news conference this week, sometimes leading the FAA to ground or slow departures at major airports.

Related to: US government closed: Here are the travel impacts

This included A Severe staff shortage on Sunday At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Reward your inbox with TPG’s daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts.

By registering, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our website terms of use and acknowledge the data practices of our site privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

The country’s largest air traffic controllers union warned that turbulence was unlikely to improve until the government reopened.

“The problems are escalating daily,” Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said Tuesday, the same day controllers missed their first full paycheck.

When air traffic control facilities are understaffed, the FAA slows the flow of aircraft for safety.

What about TSA checkpoints?

Like air traffic controllers, TSA officers work without pay.

The agency told TPG on Thursday that checkpoints have been “mildly affected” across the country so far.

However, a company spokesperson said: “It is expected that occasional delays may occur at some security checkpoints.” “The longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the impact on our TSA workforce.”

On top Providing meals For critical aviation workers, airlines are making some changes to help travelers move through airports more smoothly.

Delta Air Lines said its employees were assisting with logistics at TSA checkpoints to free up TSA-approved screening devices to process customers.

The airline also noted that its employees were helping move customers through the concourse at its mega hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Delta is closing its business class security entrances

One big change some Delta customers will notice: Due to TSA staffing concerns, the airline has temporarily closed semi-private security checkpoints for Delta One customers at JFK and Los Angeles airports.

Tips for traveling during the government shutdown

With no clear indication of when the government lockdown might end, here are some travel tips – whether you’re traveling this week or booking flights for the holidays.

Consider arriving to the airport early

TSA continues to recommend that travelers arrive at the airport at least two to two and a half hours before their flight. This is roughly in line with his normal guidance.

My advice: just get there a little earlier than you normally would. You can probably go about your normal airport routine for 20 or 30 minutes, whether you use the standard lanes or not Accessing TSA PreCheck, and whether you’re a “three hours early” traveler or someone who tends to make it sooner.

It’s official: Travelers no longer have to take off their shoes at TSA checkpoints

Book nonstop flights or longer connections, if you can

If you’re booking a flight for the coming weeks, I would choose a nonstop flight if possible.

Flight cancellation rates in October were remarkably low — just 0.3% of all flights on U.S. airlines, according to FlightAware. This is better than what we saw in September, when the government was open.

However, delays remain a very real concern.

If you are not able to fly non-stop, I would avoid that close contact for 40 minutes if you can. After all, a 45-minute delay becomes a much bigger problem if it causes you to miss your connecting flight.

Prepare for a longer wait on the plane

Load up your iPad with more shows, download that extra podcast and bring a water bottle. The biggest impact customers are likely to see from ATC-related delays is longer taxi times or additional time in a holding pattern before landing.

Pack necessary supplies, entertainment, battery life, and refreshments so you’re ready if a 2-hour flight turns into a 3 1/2-hour flight.

Stay glued to your airline app

Keep an eye out for opportunities to switch to a new itinerary or take advantage of travel advice if the airline gives you extra flexibility. If a problem arises, you may be able to make all the necessary changes with a few clicks in its mobile app.

Read more: Aviation Canceled or delayed? Here’s what to do next

Book with a credit card that includes travel insurance

Airlines are unlikely to foot the bill if they are stranded due to a government shutdown.

This means you’ll likely be on the hook for that unexpected night at the hotel or out to dinner if you’re late all night.

This is where a travel credit card that offers travel insurance protection can come in handy, helping you offset the costs of unplanned travel delays – something to consider if you’re booking a holiday trip.

Looking forward

These heightened concerns about air travel and lockdowns come less than four weeks before the Thanksgiving travel peak begins.

Keep in mind that the Sunday after Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest travel days of the entire year.

As of Thursday, American Travel Association It was reported that the closure cost the US tourism industry at least $4.1 billion in lost revenue.

Related reading: