How a shutdown might have an effect on journey

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson mentioned Thursday, Jan. 29, {that a} brief authorities shutdown could also be inevitable as lawmakers work to cross a bipartisan spending deal, elevating issues for air vacationers after the final shutdown prompted widespread disruptions.

In an interview with USA TODAY on the film premiere of “Melania” in Washington, D.C., Johnson mentioned “logistics are a challenge” however thinks the earliest the House might take motion on the deal is Monday, Feb. 2.

The earlier authorities shutdown, which ended after 43 days on Nov. 12, 2025, was the longest in U.S. historical past. For vacationers, many important providers, such because the Federal Aviation Administration’s air site visitors management group, the Transportation Security Administration’s airport screenings, passport processing, and cruising-related actions, would proceed within the instant aftermath.

As the earlier shutdown dragged on, important staff like FAA air site visitors controllers began lacking work at increased charges. Though they’re required to work, they don’t obtain paychecks throughout the shutdown, and plenty of important staff needed to discover different methods to complement their revenue after a number of missed paychecks. Federal staff who work throughout the shutdown usually obtain again pay as soon as funding is restored. 

Here’s how a shutdown will affect vacationers. 

Are flights affected by a authorities shutdown?

No, or no less than, not instantly. 

FAA and TSA staff who carry out important capabilities associated to flight security proceed working throughout a shutdown. Still, the longer a shutdown lasts, the extra seemingly they’re to should miss work.

During the 2025 shutdown, the Department of Transportation ordered airways to scale back their flight schedules by as much as 10%, serving to ease the workload on overtaxed and understaffed air site visitors management towers, which led to days of complications for vacationers. 

It’s not but clear when, how, or whether or not flights can be affected by the most recent shutdown. USA TODAY reached out to the Department of Transportation to ask about plans within the occasion of a shutdown.

Does TSA nonetheless function throughout a shutdown?

Yes, TSA staff who carry out duties similar to screening at airport safety checkpoints are thought of important and can preserve working throughout a shutdown. But if the shutdown is extended for an prolonged interval, you could encounter longer traces and wait instances.

“While TSA is prepared to continue screening about 2.5M passengers a day, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports,” the company mentioned in a post on X final 12 months. “We kindly ask for our passengers’ patience during this time.”

Are cruises affected by a authorities shutdown?

Cruise ships are usually spared throughout a authorities shutdown. 

 “As far as the impact on cruises, essential federal personnel – including the U.S. Coast Guard, TSA, and CBP agents – will continue to report to work, so core port and security functions will remain in place,” Cruise Lines International Association, the cruise business’s main commerce group, beforehand informed USA TODAY. 

“Where we anticipate immediate impact is in the potential closure of national parks, museums, and other federally operated attractions that many cruise passengers visit in U.S. destinations,” the emailed assertion continued.  

Other impacts on flights or passport providers might ripple by means of to vacationers with upcoming sailings, however passengers ought to usually see little to no disruption. 

Can you continue to get a passport throughout the federal government shutdown? 

Yes. 

“Consular operations domestically and abroad, including passport and visa services and assistance for American citizens abroad, will continue during a lapse in government funding,” the State Department informed USA TODAY in an emailed assertion throughout the earlier authorities shutdown. 

Passport processing instances stay the identical as earlier than the shutdown — candidates will wait an estimated 4 to 6 weeks for routine service and two to 3 weeks in the event that they pay $60 to expedite the appliance (excluding mailing instances).

Contributing: James Powel and Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY