The United States is facing a potential travel catastrophe as a government shutdown looms, with former Transport Security Administration (TSA) chief Sean Duffy warning of massive airport delays and critical staffing shortages that could bring air travel to a grinding halt.
Imminent Crisis for Air Travellers
With just days remaining until funding expires, aviation experts are sounding the alarm about devastating consequences for millions of passengers. Duffy, who served as TSA assistant administrator for security operations, revealed that transportation security officers would be forced to work without pay during any shutdown period.
Security Staffing Emergency
"The biggest challenge will be staffing," Duffy stated emphatically. "These officers are already among the lowest-paid federal employees. Asking them to work without timely paychecks while facing financial pressures like mortgages and childcare costs creates an impossible situation."
The potential staffing crisis comes at a particularly vulnerable time for US aviation, which has been struggling with:
- Chronic understaffing at major airports
- Record passenger numbers post-pandemic
- Increased security threats globally
- Ongoing operational challenges
Domino Effect on Global Travel
British travellers planning trips to the United States face significant uncertainty. Duffy warned that delays at major hub airports like JFK, LAX, and Chicago O'Hare would quickly ripple across the global aviation network, potentially stranding passengers on both sides of the Atlantic.
The situation echoes the 2018-2019 government shutdown that saw:
- TSA officer call-outs surge to 10%
- Security wait times exceed one hour at major airports
- Significant flight disruptions and cancellations
- Economic losses estimated at $11 billion
Broader Travel Industry Impact
Beyond airport security, the shutdown threatens to paralyse multiple travel-related agencies. Air traffic controllers would also work without pay, while passport and visa processing would face severe delays, creating a perfect storm of travel disruption.
Duffy emphasised that the timing couldn't be worse: "We're approaching the holiday travel season. The system simply cannot absorb these additional pressures without significant consequences for travellers."
The warning serves as an urgent alert for anyone planning US travel in the coming weeks, with experts advising travellers to prepare for potential chaos at airports and consider flexible booking options.
