Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said Thursday, Jan. 29, that a short government shutdown may be inevitable as lawmakers work to pass a bipartisan spending deal, raising concerns for air travelers after the last shutdown caused widespread disruptions.
In an interview with USA TODAY at the movie premiere of “Melania” in Washington, D.C., Johnson said “logistics are a challenge” but thinks the earliest the House could take action on the deal is Monday, Feb. 2.
The previous government shutdown, which ended after 43 days on Nov. 12, 2025, was the longest in U.S. history. For travelers, many essential services, such as the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control organization, the Transportation Security Administration’s airport screenings, passport processing, and cruising-related activities, would continue in the immediate aftermath.
As the previous shutdown dragged on, essential workers like FAA air traffic controllers started missing work at higher rates. Though they’re required to work, they do not receive paychecks during the shutdown, and many essential workers had to find other ways to supplement their income after multiple missed paychecks. Federal employees who work during the shutdown generally receive back pay once funding is restored.
Here’s how a shutdown will impact travelers.
No, or at least, not right away.
FAA and TSA employees who perform essential functions related to flight safety continue working during a shutdown. Still, the longer a shutdown lasts, the more likely they are to have to miss work.
During the 2025 shutdown, the Department of Transportation ordered airlines to reduce their flight schedules by up to 10%, helping ease the workload on overtaxed and understaffed air traffic control towers, which led to days of headaches for travelers.
It’s not yet clear when, how, or whether flights will be affected by the latest shutdown. USA TODAY reached out to the Department of Transportation to ask about plans in the event of a shutdown.
Yes, TSA workers who perform tasks such as screening at airport security checkpoints are considered essential and will keep working during a shutdown. But if the shutdown is prolonged for an extended period, you may encounter longer lines and wait times.
“While TSA is prepared to continue screening about 2.5M passengers a day, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports,” the agency said in a post on X last year. “We kindly ask for our passengers’ patience during this time.”
Cruise ships are typically spared during a government shutdown.
“As far as the impact on cruises, essential federal personnel – including the U.S. Coast Guard, TSA, and CBP agents – will continue to report to work, so core port and security functions will remain in place,” Cruise Lines International Association, the cruise industry’s leading trade organization, previously told USA TODAY.
“Where we anticipate immediate impact is in the potential closure of national parks, museums, and other federally operated attractions that many cruise passengers visit in U.S. destinations,” the emailed statement continued.
Other impacts on flights or passport services could ripple through to travelers with upcoming sailings, but passengers should generally see little to no disruption.
Yes.
“Consular operations domestically and abroad, including passport and visa services and assistance for American citizens abroad, will continue during a lapse in government funding,” the State Department told USA TODAY in an emailed statement during the previous government shutdown.
Passport processing times remain the same as before the shutdown — applicants will wait an estimated four to six weeks for routine service and two to three weeks if they pay $60 to expedite the application (excluding mailing times).
Contributing: James Powel and Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY
