The U.S. government officially shut down on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. While these political standoffs can feel distant, they have real-world impacts—especially if you’re planning to travel.
From airport delays to passport processing and national parks, here’s what you need to know.
✈️ Air Travel: Still Operational — For Now
Airports remain open, but the situation is far from business as usual. TSA officers and air traffic controllers are required to keep working during the shutdown—without pay. That’s raising concerns across the travel industry.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, this shutdown could cost the travel sector $1 billion per week.
What to expect:
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Flights are still taking off, and security lines are open.
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But if the shutdown continues, expect to see:
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Longer TSA lines
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More flight delays
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Potential airport checkpoint closures if staff shortages grow
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This isn’t theoretical. During the 2018–2019 shutdown, 10% of TSA agents were absent on a single day, forcing some airports to shut down security checkpoints. Air traffic controller absences led to a temporary ground stop at New York-LaGuardia Airport and widespread delays at Newark, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.
With the FAA already short on controllers, another staffing crisis could escalate delays across the country.
🧭 Longer-Term Impact: Training Delays for Air Traffic Controllers
Training new air traffic controllers is already a slow process—taking up to three years. A prolonged shutdown can pause hiring and training, worsening the existing shortage and compounding delays well beyond the current crisis.
🌲 National Parks: Open Access, Limited Services
Planning a trip to a national park? You can still go—but expect a DIY experience.
According to the Department of the Interior’s contingency plan, most national parks will remain open, but services will be limited or paused. This includes:
Open:
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Trails, scenic roads, lookouts, and open-air monuments
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Basic functions like:
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Emergency services
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Law enforcement
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Fire control and coastal/border protection
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Trash pickup and campground ops (in most parks)
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Paused:
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Visitor centers
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Educational programs
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Real-time updates on websites and social media
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Road or trail condition alerts
Pro tip: If you’re heading to a park, check updates before the trip—and come prepared for fewer staff and services.
🛂 Can You Still Get a Passport During the Shutdown?
Yes—for now.
Passport processing continues because it’s funded by fees, not taxpayer dollars. This also applies to visas and services at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
But delays are still possible. The State Department warns even expedited applications may take several weeks. To avoid last-minute issues, apply at least six months in advance of your trip.
🔐 Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: What Stays, What Slows
If you’re enrolling in travel programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, here’s how the shutdown affects them:
TSA PreCheck:
✅ Still open for applications and renewals.
Because it’s fee-funded, PreCheck will keep running.
Global Entry:
⚠️ Expect delays.
In the 2018–2019 shutdown, Global Entry appointments were canceled, and no new dates were given. If you’re a first-time applicant, brace for longer wait times, especially as Customs and Border Protection continues to clear a years-long application backlog.
🧳 Bottom Line: Prepare for Delays, Not Disruptions
Airports and parks are still open, and your passport is likely safe—but the longer the shutdown drags on, the more disruptions travelers may face. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a flight abroad, plan ahead, stay informed, and build in extra time for processing and travel.
📲 Stay updated with the latest government shutdown news and how it impacts your money, travel, and life—right here at CreditVana.com.
