Travelers Not Yet Deterred by Shutdown But Agent Concerns Grow
Skift Take
The government shutdown is not yet a big problem for travel advisors and their clients, but it could become one if it doesn’t end soon. Airport security concerns and national park travel, which picks up in the spring, could become major issues.
While the U.S. government shutdown has not yet caused major headaches for leisure travel advisors and their clients, there are trepidations about what could happen if the situation drags on much longer.
“For our leisure travelers, the government shutdown is a hot topic,” said Beth Washington of McCabe World Travel in MacLean, Va. “A lot of people are asking about it, particularly the impact on airports. They’ve heard about TSA employees calling in sick. So we’re counseling everyone to get to the airport early.”
A few major airports have been closing some security lanes because of a shortage of TSA workers to staff them.
Another top area of concern are the national parks, more of which are closing after struggling to stay open with limited services. Last week saw the closing of two popular California attractions, Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs and Muir Woods National Monument near San Francisco.
“The national park closures
