It may be easy to forget there’s a partial government shutdown happening, until you step into an airport. Passengers are experiencing long, slow-moving security lines as the shutdown is now in its fourth week and TSA screeners are working without pay. Some are calling out or taking other work to bring in some income, leaving the agency even more short-staffed.
Add in the fact that more people are traveling now because it’s spring break and it’s a recipe for airport chaos. While you can’t do much to avoid crowded terminals, if you’re flying anytime soon, here’s what travel experts recommend to ease stress and avoid missing flights.
- Hope for the best, prepare for the worst - Have all the information and contact numbers on hand in case you need to make a last-minute change to travel plans. Make sure you’ve got a portable charger since outlets are usually taken, download shows or movies to watch, pack a book, and save time by not checking a bag.
- Get to the airport earlier than usual - No one wants to hear this, but you need even more time at the airport right now. Lauren Gumport, vice president of communications at Faye Travel Insurance warns, “Long TSA lines can build quickly, and when staffing is stretched, the usual ‘two hours before a domestic flight’ rule may not be enough.” Going earlier and having to wait longer is a pain, but it’s better than missing your flight because of long lines.
- Monitor security wait times - Before leaving home check the MyTSA app, which shows estimated checkpoint wait times at airports across the country. Airport websites may also show up-to-date wait times.
- Book earlier and off-peak flights - More delays tend to happen as the day goes on, so the earlier you can fly, the better.
- Build buffer time into your trip - Save those super close connections for a less hectic time to travel.
- Know your rights - Don’t forget that you do have rights as an air passenger in the U.S., even during a government shutdown. The DOT website outlines those rights for canceled flights and more.
Source: Huff Post
Scott's Thoughts:
- I’ve never been more delighted to not have travel plans anytime soon!
- I will not travel during this mess.
- Spring break to me means I can go out locally for dinner without fighting the college kids for bar space!