How the government shutdown could impact flights, trains and cruises

A partial government shutdown is underway after Congress failed to pass legislation extending funding for operations past Sept. 30.

That means hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be furloughed and non-essential duties will be suspended until a deal is reached.

Federal workers who are deemed essential must continue working without immediate pay but should receive backpay once the shutdown ends.

Much of what touches travel is considered essential, like air traffic control and border security, but not everything. The U.S. Travel Association estimates the shutdown could cost the nation’s travel economy $1 billion in losses each week.

Here’s what travelers should know about the government shutdown.

Will my flight be delayed? Are airports open during a shutdown?

Flights should still be able to continue during a partial government shutdown since Transportation Security Administration workers who screen at airport security checkpoints, those who give flight clearance and verify travelers’ identities at border control are deemed essential and are still required to work.

However, the trade group Airlines for America, which represents United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others, warned “the system may need to slow down, reducing efficiency.”

During the last government shutdown in 2019, the number of absences by air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers rose as workers missed paychecks, extending waits at some airports.

Are trains working during a government shutdown?

Amtrak trains will continue operating normally in the shutdown.

“Passengers planning to travel on Amtrak trains in the Northeast Corridor and across the country in the coming days and weeks can be assured that Amtrak will remain open for business,” Amtrak said in a statement to USA TODAY.

While Amtrak receives federal grants, it also earns ticket revenue, so it has the money to keep going. However, the Rail Passengers Association notes, if a shutdown goes on long enough, operations could be strained.

Will cruise ports still work during a government shutdown?

The government shutdown shouldn’t directly impact cruise sailings.

“As far as the impact on cruises, essential federal personnel – including the U.S. Coast Guard, TSA, and CBP agents – will continue to report to work, so core port and security functions will remain in place,” the cruise industry’s leading trade group Cruise Lines International Association told USA Today

However, CLIA says some experiences offered at U.S. destinations, like national park visits, may be impacted.

Are national parks open during a government shutdown?

According to a newly published contingency plan on the Department of Interior’s website, “park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors” and “parks with accessible areas that collect fees under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act” should use available balances from those fees to cover basic visitor services like restroom maintenance, trash collection and campground operation.

However, parks without accessible areas generally will not operate and no visitor services will be provided with exceptions for essential services like law enforcement and border safety.

USA Today has reached out to the National Park Service for details on what is deemed accessible. A previously published contingency plan dated March 2024 specified “areas that by their nature are physically accessible to the public.”