More than 30 million Americans travel each year, but this season their journeys coincide with day 18 of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. With no end in sight, thousands of federal employees from key agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continue to work without pay.
Despite initial fears of chaos, the situation has remained relatively stable. “The perception is that government shutdowns create massive delays, but data tells a different story,” said Katy Nastro ABC News, spokesperson and travel expert for the online platform Going. “In the past 17 days, about 21% of flights have been delayed on average, while cancellations remain below 1%. That’s actually better than what we often see during major storms.”
Nastro noted that while some passengers experience long waits or cancellations, the overall system has held steady. “Travelers shouldn’t automatically expect disaster. Most flights are operating under normal conditions,” she added.
For those affected, Nastro reminded passengers of their rights. “If your flight canceled or significantly delayed. You’re entitled to a refund under Department of Transportation regulations. You can also choose to rebook though compensation isn’t guaranteed,” she said.
She advised travelers to use airline apps for real-time updates and suggested a little-known tip. “If you can’t reach customer service on domestic lines, try calling the airline’s international number — it often connects faster.”
As for the broader tourism economy, early data shows minimal impact so far. “According to Delta’s CEO, domestic travel demand remains strong, averaging about 2.9 million passengers a day,” Nastro explained. “But the longer this shutdown drags on, the more likely we’ll see ripple effects — longer TSA lines, more delays, and travelers choosing refunds instead of rescheduling.”
Read more: Nine Arrested During Protests at ICE Facility Near Chicago After Fence Removal
Experts warn that extended disruptions could mirror the 2019 shutdown, when mounting travel delays played a key role in forcing an end to the standoff. For now, the industry watches closely — waiting to see if travelers’ patience will outlast Washington’s gridlock.
“The longer this continues, the higher the likelihood of real impacts,” Nastro said. “We just don’t know how long this will last — but travelers will keep moving until they can’t.”
