Flight passengers are warned things could get worse amid DHS shutdown, delays and callouts

The ongoing partial US government shutdown has had a significant impact on American airports and travelers, particularly as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers continue to go without paychecks. The situation has become so dire that some European countries, such as the United Kingdom, have issued warnings to those planning to travel to the US.

The UK updated its foreign travel advice, specifically mentioning the potential for longer-than-usual queues at US airports due to the TSA staffing shortages caused by the shutdown. Travelers are advised to check with their travel providers, departure airports, or airlines for the latest guidance to avoid any disruptions.

TSA officers have been calling out from work at an alarming rate, with a national callout rate of 10.19% reported on Sunday – the highest rate the agency has seen so far. This has led to delays and congestion at major airports, prompting airport officials to issue warnings to travelers.

For example, the Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta cautioned passengers about delays at the International Terminal Checkpoint, urging domestic travelers to use the Domestic Security Checkpoints to avoid further congestion. Similar issues have been reported at other airports, with callout rates spiking to over 50% at Houston, and over 30% at New Orleans and Atlanta airports over the weekend.

With 366 TSA officers quitting during the shutdown, there is a critical staffing gap that will take months to address due to the lengthy training and certification process for new officers. Travel expert Clint Henderson of The Points Guy website warned that the situation is likely to worsen as the shutdown continues, especially with the added impact of weather-related issues at major airports.

Passengers facing flight delays or cancellations have the right to request a prompt refund from the airline within 21 days. This applies to delays of more than three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights. It’s essential for travelers to stay informed about the latest developments and to plan accordingly to minimize any disruptions during their travels.