The warning comes as airport bottlenecks and delayed maintenance checks begin to ripple across the nation’s air system. With thousands of TSA officers and FAA personnel furloughed or working without pay, major airports have already reported longer security lines, staffing shortages, and flight schedule disruptions.
“This shutdown is creating a perfect storm for travel headaches,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “With the holidays approaching, passengers should be proactive—check flights early, build in extra time, and have alternative plans ready if schedules unravel.”
AAA’s alert hits as travel volumes surge to record levels. The group projects this Thanksgiving will see more than 55 million Americans on the move, rivaling pre-pandemic highs. Airfares have stayed elevated due to fuel costs and limited capacity, and industry experts warn that any disruption could drive prices even higher.
Airlines have already begun contingency planning, with some carriers rerouting flights and shifting maintenance deadlines. Aviation analysts warn that even minor disruptions in FAA air traffic operations could snowball into nationwide delays over the next few weeks.
Inside the Department of Transportation, officials are scrambling to determine how long critical aviation oversight can continue under current funding restrictions. Lawmakers remain deadlocked in Washington, where negotiations over the shutdown’s resolution have stalled amid partisan clashes over spending levels.
For millions of travelers, the uncertainty is quickly turning into anxiety. AAA recommends confirming flight details well in advance, avoiding tight connections, and considering flexible booking options—including refundable tickets or travel insurance—until government operations stabilize.
“Plan ahead and be ready to pivot,” Twidale advised. “Nobody wants to spend Thanksgiving stranded at the airport.”
