Security Lines and ATC Delays Expected to Skyrocket Nearing Thanksgiving

The federal government shutdown is stretching into its second month with no clear end in sight, potentially making it the longest shutdown in US history. And, as if the situation isn’t bad enough, the busiest travel season of the year is fast approaching with bookings at an all-time high.

The impacts are already showing. Nearly 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed on November 2, with airports in Newark, Nashville, Jacksonville, Austin, and Denver reporting staffing-related slowdowns. Some Houston travelers reportedly waited up to three hours in TSA lines as checkpoints ran at half capacity.

Both air traffic controllers and TSA officers are required to work without pay, and as fatigue and frustration grow, more absences are expected. Secretary Duffy said bluntly that delays are “going to get worse.”

If the shutdown continues past mid-November, its effects would collide directly with Thanksgiving…a holiday already set to break travel records. Data shows bookings for Thanksgiving flights are up 2% compared to last year, and Christmas travel is up 1%. Major carriers like United, Delta, and Southwest have all expanded schedules, adding nearly half a million seats altogether. 

"The entire fourth quarter, the fall break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, they're all likely to set records with strong demand," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "At the beginning of July, it was like a light switch got flipped on and demand started to come back.”

That optimism may not last long if airports remain short-staffed, especially since understaffed control towers and security checkpoints make operations extremely vulnerable to small fluctuations or incidents. With so many controllers out, the FAA is forced to slow flight operations to maintain safety, causing nationwide ripple effects. Duffy assured that the government “will stop traffic” if conditions become unsafe… but we all know what that means for travelers.

Unfortunately, there is not much customers can do to escape this. For those who haven’t booked yet, early morning flights are less prone to delay. And if it’s a short enough trip, driving might just be faster. Regardless, Thanksgiving 2025 may mark both a record-breaking and record-frustrating holiday season.

FMI: www.faa.gov