How the Department of Homeland Security shutdown affects travel in the United States

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which took effect early Saturday, is affecting the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country. Travelers with nervous flight reservations may remember a 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and lengthy delays last year.

TSA officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on annual funding for the Department of Homeland Security. TSA officers also worked during the record shutdown period that ended Nov. 12, but aviation experts say this may be different.

However, U.S. travel industry trade groups and major airlines have warned that the longer DHS allocations lapse, the longer security lines at the nation’s commercial airports will grow.

Here’s what to know about the latest lockdown and how to plan ahead.

What’s different about this lockdown?

Homeland Security funding ended at midnight. But the rest of the federal government is funded through September 30. This means that air traffic controllers working for the FAA will receive their pay as usual, reducing the risk of widespread flight cancellations.

According to the department’s emergency plan, about 95% of TSA workers are considered essential employees and are required to continue working. Democrats in the House and Senate say the Department of Homeland Security will not receive funding until new restrictions are imposed on federal immigration operations.

During previous lockdowns, disruptions to air travel tended to accumulate over time, rather than overnight. For example, about a month after last year’s shutdown, the TSA temporarily closed two checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport. On the same day, the government took the unusual step of ordering all commercial airlines to reduce their domestic flight schedules.

John Clark, who arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport from a business trip in Mississippi, said he was affected by this previous closure and concerned.

“You may not be able to get home if you’re already out, or it may be delayed if you’ve worked all week and are trying to get home,” said Clark, who travels frequently for his functional balance machines. “It’s really bad.”

John Rose, chief risk officer at global travel management company Altour, said tensions may emerge at airports more quickly this time around because the TSA workforce will also remember the recent closure.

“It’s still fresh in their minds and probably in their pockets,” Rose said.

What impact does this have on travelers?

It is difficult to predict if, when, or where security check snags may appear. Even a few unscheduled TSA absences can quickly lead to longer wait times at small airports, for example, if there is only one security checkpoint.

This is why travelers should plan to arrive early and allow extra time to pass through security checkpoints.

“I tell people to do this even in good times,” Rose said.

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Experts say flight delays are also possible although air traffic controllers are not affected by the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

Rich Davis, senior security consultant at risk mitigation firm International SOS, said airlines may decide to delay departing flights in some cases to wait for passengers to finish screening. A shortage of TSA officers can also slow down the screening of checked baggage behind the scenes.

Bernest R. Green, who traveled to Detroit from Phoenix to celebrate his sister’s 70th birthday, says he wants to end the shutdown before he returns in more than a week.

“I just hope things start to improve before they get worse,” he added.

What travelers can do to prepare

Most airports display security line wait times on their websites, but don’t wait until the day of your flight to check them, Rose advised.

“You might look online and you’ll find two-and-a-half hours,” he said. “It’s now two and a half hours before your flight and you haven’t left for the airport yet.”

Read more: 9 ways air travel is being affected by the lockdown

Passengers should also pay close attention while packing since prohibited items will likely lengthen the screening process. For carry-on luggage, avoid bringing full-sized shampoo or other liquids, gels or large sprays and items like pocket knives in carry-on luggage.

The TSA has a complete list on its website of what is and is not allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

At the airport, remember to “be patient and compassionate,” Rose said.

“Not only are they not getting paid, they are probably short-staffed and dealing with angry travelers,” he said of the TSA agents.

Will the lockdown continue?

The White House is negotiating with Democratic lawmakers, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement by the end of the week before senators and congressmen leave Washington for a 10-day vacation.

However, lawmakers in both chambers were aware of a return if a deal was reached to end the lockdown.

Democrats have said they will not help approve more funding for the Department of Homeland Security until new restrictions are imposed on federal immigration operations following the fatal shootings of Alex Peretti and Renee Judd in Minneapolis last month.

In a joint statement, US Travel, Airlines for America and the American Hotel & Lodging Association warned that the closure threatens to disrupt air travel as the busy spring break travel season approaches.

“Travelers and the U.S. economy cannot afford to operate essential TSA employees without pay, which increases the risk of unscheduled absences and call-outs, and can ultimately lead to longer wait times and missed or delayed flights,” the statement said.

Associated Press writer Mike Houseder contributed from Romulus, Michigan.