{"id":3432,"date":"2019-01-21T19:30:50","date_gmt":"2019-01-21T19:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog-1199783855.us-west-2.elb.amazonaws.com\/blog\/?p=3432"},"modified":"2019-07-03T18:58:54","modified_gmt":"2019-07-03T18:58:54","slug":"government-shutdown-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/21\/government-shutdown-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"Government Shutdown 2019: How It Impacts Your Air Travel Plans"},"content":{"rendered":"

The longest government shutdown in US history continues despite its negative impact on federal workers. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are feeling the brunt of the political ordeal. As essential employees, they must report to work even when they aren\u2019t getting paid. <\/span><\/p>\n

According to TSA<\/span><\/a>, the agency reported a 7 percent rate of unscheduled absences on January 19, compared to a 3 percent rate one year ago on the same day. Employees assert financial limitations as their primary reason for not reporting to work. <\/span><\/p>\n

With a lack of staffing at airports, what does this mean for your air travel plans? How should you prepare for your upcoming trip? Here are five helpful tips for traveling during the government shutdown.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Arrive Early<\/b><\/h3>\n

Normally, TSA suggests for air travel passengers to arrive at least 2 or 3 hours before the scheduled departure of their domestic and international flights, respectively. Because of the government shutdown, these time guidelines are critical for travelers to follow. <\/span><\/p>\n

Airports are having to <\/span>close multiple security lines<\/span><\/a> due to the shortage of TSA agents. As a result, travelers are waiting up to 90 minutes to get through checkpoints.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"facebook<\/p>\n

To avoid being late, start packing your luggage<\/a> two days ahead of schedule, so you\u2019re not rushing the day of your flight departure. <\/span><\/p>\n

Also, plan how you will get to the airport. Maybe you can use a rideshare service or have a friend bring you. If you\u2019re parking your vehicle at the airport, add extra time to your commute to find a parking space.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Follow Security Rules<\/b><\/h3>\n

Security continues to remain a top priority for TSA. The agency wants passengers to feel safe while they travel to their destinations. <\/span><\/p>\n

TSA spokesperson Michael Bilello <\/span>tweeted<\/span><\/a> that \u201cTSA will continue to carry out the mission to secure aviation. Security will not be compromised.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

To ensure the safety of yourself and others, the agency provides the following recommendations when entering the <\/span>standard screening lane<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n