Just when you thought travel woes couldn’t get worse… 😅 the US is on day 38 of its record-long government shutdown and it’s throwing a major wrench into your Thanksgiving plans.
Here’s the tea ☕:
- Flight Cuts: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a 10% reduction in departures at 40 top US airports.
- Staff Shortages: About 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA screeners are clocking in without pay — so many are calling in sick.
- Cancellations Galore: Hundreds of flights are getting axed daily, leaving tens of thousands of passengers in limbo.
Imagine the chaos of a Diwali or Eid exodus at Chhatrapati Shivaji or Changi Airport — that’s pretty much the scene across JFK, LAX and beyond. 😱
But why is this happening? In short, a government shutdown is like a budget freeze: Congress and the White House can’t agree on funding, so “non-essential” federal workers (like air traffic controllers and security screeners) keep working but aren’t paid until the budget gets sorted.
With Thanksgiving travel ramping up this week, experts warn that more cancellations could be on the horizon. If you’ve got tickets out of the US (or in), here’s a quick checklist:
- Check your flight status online regularly — download and enable push alerts from your airline app.
- Consider travel insurance that covers cancellations or delays.
- Have backup plans: extra travel days, alternative routes, or even a flexible return ticket.
While US lawmakers are under pressure to end the shutdown, your best bet is to stay informed and stay calm. Safe travels — and may the odds be ever in your favor! 🍀
Reference(s):
U.S. flight cuts disrupt travel, government shutdown strains airports
cgtn.com
