Australians planning a trip to the United States are being warned to brace for flight delays, long queues and possible cancellations as a result of the ongoing US government shutdown that has disrupted airports nationwide. With key federal agencies operating on skeleton staff, even the best-laid travel plans are vulnerable to turbulence.
How the Shutdown Is Affecting Travellers
The US aviation system is under pressure because thousands of airport and border staff are working without pay, while others have taken leave due to financial strain. This has resulted in widespread disruption at security checkpoints and air traffic control.
More than three million passengers have already faced shutdown-related flight delays and cancellations, according to reports from Travel + Leisure that outline how the airline system is struggling to cope with reduced staffing levels.
At major airports like LAX and JFK, travellers are reporting hours-long security lines and missed connections as overworked TSA agents try to keep up with peak holiday demand.
What It Means for Australian Travellers
Expect more flight changes.
Delays are increasing because air-traffic controllers and security staff are being stretched thin, causing a spike in cancellations across several major US carriers.
Insurance coverage may not apply.
According to Money Magazine, shutdown-related issues are now considered an operational problem rather than an unforeseen event, which means they may not be covered under new travel insurance policies.
The shutdown is now classified as a “known event”
Once a situation becomes widely publicised, most insurers exclude it from new policies, so travellers who purchase cover after the shutdown was announced may not be able to claim for related disruptions.
Longer waits at US airports.
With security and customs processing times stretching to several hours at busy terminals, travellers are being urged to arrive early and allow extra time between connecting flights.
Smart Travel Tips for Australians
- Check government travel updates – Monitor Smartraveller’s official US travel page for current warnings and entry advice.
- Buy insurance as soon as you book – Purchasing a policy early ensures that events like shutdowns are still considered “unforeseen” at the time of purchase, protecting your coverage.
- Keep documentation for any claims – If your trip is disrupted, save copies of cancellation emails, booking receipts and delay notices to support any insurance or refund claim.
- Contact airlines first if affected – Many carriers are now offering refunds, travel credits or free rebooking for passengers impacted by government-related operational issues.
- Build buffer time into your itinerary – Choose morning flights when possible and allow a few extra hours between connecting legs, especially when travelling through large US airports.
Should Australians Still Travel to the US?
Yes, it’s still safe to visit. The shutdown is primarily affecting logistics, not security. However, flexibility and patience are now essential parts of your packing list. If you’re attending a time-sensitive event like a wedding or conference, consider flying a day early in case of last-minute changes.
As recent travel advisories note, being proactive and organised is the best defence against disruption. That means booking insurance early, double-checking flight statuses, and giving yourself more time than usual at the airport.
Final Thoughts
While the shutdown is causing stress for travellers, most Australians visiting the US are still reaching their destinations without major problems. A little planning goes a long way: stay informed, prepare your documentation, and allow extra breathing room in your itinerary.
With the right mindset and preparation, your US holiday or business trip can still be everything you’ve planned, just with a few extra precautions along the way.
