PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Crowds, cancellations, and employee callouts at airports nationwide are just some of the growing impacts from the government shutdown.
“It’s frustrating,” said Nancy Bucca of Key West, Florida. “I feel like I should just get in the car and drive. It might be quicker.”
“It’s like the Holiday season and it’s not even here yet,” said Nancy Bucca, from Key West.
At Philadelphia International Airport, the TSA decided to temporarily close the security checkpoints at Terminal A-West and Terminal F to provide optimal operations at the other checkpoints.
The idea is to provide better operation at the rest of the terminals.
Airport staff will help direct people, but make sure you give yourself extra time.
RELATED: What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled during the US government shutdown
“I’ve always gone by what my dad says: get here at least two hours early,” said Sabrina Damian of Manchester, T.N.
“Obviously, it will slow us down. I hope we don’t miss flights,” said another traveler.
Down in Houston, several passengers had to wait in TSA lines for hours at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Monday morning.
“As every day goes by, I think the problem is only going to get worse,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
This comes as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns of “mass chaos” at airports.
RELATED | ‘Mass chaos’: Duffy says he might have to close some airspace next week amid shutdown
Duffy says TSA and air traffic controllers are working without pay, which leads to staffing shortages.
“They’re being forced to make decisions and choices: ‘Do they go to work as an air traffic controller or do they have to find a different job to get resources, money to put food on the table?'” said Duffy.
Duffy says if the shutdown continues, the department may have to close some airspace next week.
Many travelers are now worried they won’t make it home for the holidays.
“I’m hoping we still get to make it out there to see our family, and if they cancel it, hopefully we get reimbursed,” said Bucca.
Duffy reassures fliers it’s safe to travel. He says they will delay or cancel flights if there are not enough controllers to effectively manage the skies.
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