As Fairfield University students gear up for Spring Break, travel officials are warning air travelers to have extra patience at airports as the federal shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, including the TSA, enters its second week.
While the shutdown has not significantly affected travel, services like Global Entry, a program that allows expedited clearance for passengers returning to the United States from international destinations, have been suspended “until funding is restored.”
TSA Pre-Check, a popular program that allows for expedited security screening, remains fully operational, according to The New York Times.
However, students flying in the coming days should still consider the effects of the shutdown and the increased number of passengers expected to arrive at airports nationwide.
According to a forecast released by Airlines for America, a trade association representing the leading U.S. airlines, airlines expect another record-breaking spring travel period, with over 170 million passengers expected to fly.
Locally, Tweed-New Haven (HVN), the regional airport servicing Southern Connecticut, is also forecasting a higher number of passengers flying for Spring Break.
“HVN is anticipating increased passenger volumes during peak Spring Break travel periods, particularly on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays,” Tom Cavaliere, the Director of Community Engagement for the airport, told The Mirror. “We recommend that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes prior to departure to allow ample time for parking, check-in and security screening.”
In addition, Cavaliere recommended that travelers keep an eye on the weather in both their departure and destination cities and monitor their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
He also reminded passengers that Uber is not licensed to operate in the airport, so those flying out of HVN should use a taxi, Lyft or park at the new Park and Ride @ Long Wharf, which offers a shuttle service to and from the airport.
Students will not be the only ones facing potential air travel disruptions. Last week, the NCAA advised basketball programs across the country that they should have “extreme flexibility” this championship season.
The memo, reported by CBS Sports, says that the men’s and women’s basketball championships are “compounded by an already busy travel season and spring break,” creating additional travel strains.
