(Lamia Gamil / Fourth Estate)

How the month-long federal shutdown will affect holiday travel

BY LAMIA GAMIL, STAFF WRITER

Now that the 44-day government shutdown is over, many students expect life to return to normal. 

However, the negative impacts of the shutdown continue to linger. Airports and airlines are still a long way from returning to normal operations. With Thanksgiving and winter break around the corner, many Mason students are getting ready to travel back home to their families. 

The government shutdown has resulted in massive layoffs, impacting major federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. Both are vital to the smooth takeoff of thousands of planes across the country.  

Due to a shortage in government funding, certification processes for aviation control were paused. Maintenance delays and staffing shortages began to impact the aviation system negatively. 

Without a full staff at the FAA, the number of airlines cleared for service was significantly reduced. Even though the government shutdown has ended, many of the mechanics and inspectors returned to a backlog of safety checks, according to CNN.

Many of the aviation employees have quit or found other jobs to make ends meet; these losses are still felt even after the end of the government shutdown. As airports are trying to recover, many are experiencing delays, flight cancellations, and disruption in the quality of the travel experiences, including poor customer service and baggage being misplaced or delayed according to the Washington Post.   

Fourth Estate has compiled a list of advice for students and anyone planning to travel this holiday season. 

 

• Monitor your flight frequently. Set up text alerts and remain updated on gate changes, cancellations or delays. This information has been changing frequently. 

 

• Allot time for delays. Arrive two to three hours before your flight, as a shortage in staff results in longer security lines. 

 

• Pack essentials in your carry-on. Have easy access to things like medications, personal gadgets, school materials, and chargers. Take all valuable belongings with you in the case of a flight delay. 

 

• Plan for academic impacts. If you are delayed in returning to campus, make sure to notify professors immediately to work out any missed classwork. 

 

• Have a backup plan. If airport delays arise, perhaps plan some on-ground transportation if feasible. 

 

• For some Mason students, the journey back home can be stressful; however, with careful preparation and patience, students can still travel home safely and efficiently.  

With the end of the semester winding down, it’s almost time to reconnect with family and loved ones and enjoy a well-deserved break.