A lone traveler makes his way past a nearly deserted TSA security screening area at Orlando International Airport ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, on October 9, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.
Paul Hennessy | Anadolu | Getty Images
A government shutdown is looming just as the peak holiday travel season gets underway.
Lawmakers have been at an impasse and on Thursday voted down a short-term bill, which was backed by President-elect Donald Trump, to continue to fund the U.S. government. A shutdown could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. ET on Saturday if no deal is reached.
Hundreds of thousands of government employees would be furloughed if Congress fails to pass a spending bill.
United Airlines alone said it will fly 9.9 million people between Dec. 19 and Jan. 6, up 12% over last year.
The government deems the more than 14,000 air traffic controllers and close to 60,000 TSA agents essential, which means they would continue working, though they wouldn’t be paid during the shutdown.
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“While our personnel have prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure the security of our transportation systems, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports,” the TSA said in a statement Friday.