Source: The Points Guy
Summary
The US government shutdown is affecting air travel, with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners working without pay, leading to increased call-out rates and longer security checkpoint wait times. Some airports, such as Atlanta and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, have been hit the hardest. The TSA has reported that over 360 screeners have quit since January 31, and call-out rates have gone as high as 10% of the entire TSA workforce on some days.
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The escape is carefully planned.
Airports are reacting in real time to TSA worker call-outs, leading to unpredictable security checkpoint wait times. Some airports, like Philadelphia International Airport, have closed several screening checkpoints to consolidate flyers. Travelers can check their airport’s website or social media pages for real-time checkpoint data. The shutdown’s effects on air travel are different from previous ones, as only the Department of Homeland Security is affected. Air travelers can mitigate the effects by arriving at the airport earlier than usual and considering TSA PreCheck.
Some airports are more predictable than others.
Author: Evan Null
