Government Shutdown Travel Delays: What to Do

When most people hear “government shutdown,” they think about politics in Washington, D.C. But what many travelers don’t realize is that these shutdowns can spill over into airports across the country—and your vacation plans may be directly impacted.

TSA officers and air traffic controllers are considered essential employees, which means they still have to show up for work even when paychecks are delayed. That reality often leads to staffing shortages, longer security lines, and unexpected delays. Add in stressed-out travelers, and suddenly, your dream trip feels a lot less stress-free.

So what can you do? Here are three key steps to reduce your risk during a government shutdown:

1. Arrive Extra Early at the Airport

During a shutdown, TSA wait times can be unpredictable. What’s normally a 30-minute security line could turn into an hour or more. My best advice: build in a buffer and arrive earlier than you normally would. It’s always better to be sipping coffee at your gate than panicking at the security checkpoint.

2. Protect Yourself with Travel Insurance

This is one of the biggest ways to keep your travel stress low. If a government shutdown causes delays or cancellations, you could end up with out-of-pocket costs for meals, hotels, or rebooked flights.

With the right travel insurance policy, you can:

• Get reimbursed for trip delays and cancellations.

• Access a 24/7 help line to see flights alternatives. (Or you can check google flights to see all your options)

• Avoid paying out of pocket if an overnight stay becomes necessary.

  
  

And here’s the good news—if you’re just covering your flights, travel insurance can be very inexpensive. I personally use and recommend Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector Deluxe or Platinum plans. I like platinum becasue it makes the delay time only 3 hours before I can start getting compensation, and the price difference in plans is usually worth it for me. Their plans also offer options for flight-specific coverage, which is perfect if you’re worried about disruptions.

👉 Want my full breakdown of why I trust Travel Insured? Click here to explore Travel Insured plans.

3. Know Your Passenger Rights

Even without a government shutdown, travel hiccups happen. Airlines don’t always make it easy to understand what you’re owed in the event of a delay, cancellation, or bump from a flight—but you do have rights.

I’ve written guides you can reference:

• Your U.S. Passenger Rights Explained

• What to Do if You Miss Your Flight

• Passenger Rights with your Family

• DOT Passenger Rights

  
  

Knowing your rights ahead of time makes it easier to advocate for yourself when things don’t go as planned.

Why I Still Travel Anyway

I’ll be honest—these headlines can make me anxious, especially since I often travel with my kids. But here’s what I’ve learned: travel insurance gives me peace of mind, and knowing my rights gives me confidence.

Yes, the world feels a little heavier every day. But travel continues to bring me life. It reminds me how good people still are, and how beautiful this earth is. For me, that hope is worth protecting.

So don’t let a government shutdown derail your travel dreams. With the right preparation—and the right coverage—you can keep moving forward, chasing memories, and creating the kind of experiences your family will treasure forever.

✨ TL;DR

• A government shutdown can cause airport delays and disruptions.

• Arrive early, protect yourself with Travel Insured travel insurance, and know your passenger rights.

• These three steps can save you stress, time, and money.

👉 Ready to protect your next trip? Get a quote with Travel Insured here.