As the busy Thanksgiving travel season approaches, the prospect of a government shutdown on November 18 is raising concerns for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and federal air traffic controllers. A new forecast by AAA predicts that approximately 4.7 million people will fly over the five-day period surrounding Thanksgiving, marking the highest projection in nearly two decades.

The potential shutdown, if Congress fails to reach a deal in the next few days, would create a challenging situation for the travel industry and travelers alike. Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO of the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), emphasized the significance of avoiding a shutdown and ensuring safe and efficient airport operations during this critical period.

In the event of a shutdown, more than 50,000 TSA officers and 13,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers would be required to work without pay until the government is funded again. This prospect is particularly concerning considering that TSA workers are among the lowest-paid in the government. During the previous shutdown in 2019, many TSA officers called in sick or missed pay, which played a role in bringing an end to the standoff in Congress.

Fortunately, TSA workers are expected to receive their next paycheck just before the potential shutdown begins, providing some relief in the immediate term for Thanksgiving travel. However, the Biden administration has already warned that a shutdown could lead to delays and longer wait times at airports throughout the United States.

The impact of a government shutdown would be keenly felt at airports, which have experienced a significant increase in passenger volume since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, the TSA currently screens 2.5 million passengers daily, surpassing pre-pandemic travel totals. While airports will remain staffed during the Thanksgiving season, the number of workers showing up for duty may decrease as the duration of the shutdown continues due to the lack of pay.

Longer wait times at security checkpoints and flight delays due to reduced air traffic controllers are potential outcomes of a shutdown. Travelers are advised to arrive at airports early if the shutdown becomes a reality. The Denver International Airport, ranked the third-busiest airport in North America, estimates that around 500,000 passengers will pass through TSA checkpoints between November 18 and 25. The capacity of TSA officers and air traffic controllers is crucial for maintaining smooth operations at the airport during this time.

The impact of a prolonged shutdown on the aviation sector was evident during the previous record-breaking 35-day shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019, which resulted in increased wait times, travel delays, and a spike in TSA officer call-outs. Moreover, the shortage of air traffic controllers in the U.S. has already been a concern, partly due to COVID-related training backlogs. Hiring freezes and training and technology upgrade pauses caused by a shutdown would exacerbate the current shortage.

Despite the potential repercussions, lawmakers remain hopeful for a resolution to avoid disrupting the Thanksgiving travel season. The Biden administration and travel industry officials stress the importance of policymakers working together to prevent a shutdown and ensure the continuation of safe and efficient airport operations.

As the deadline draws closer, the nation waits to see whether Congress will come together on a funding deal to avert a shutdown that could disrupt the busiest travel days of the year and dampen the holiday spirit for millions of Americans.