Just after the clock struck midnight on Sept. 30, the United States government shut down. Despite controlling the Senate, House and White House, Republicans failed to pass legislation that would continue funding for government operations.
Many Americans are likely to feel the pinch. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees were furloughed. Essential federal employees will be required to continue working without pay, even though their rent and grocery bills still need to be paid. Funding for vital programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Head Start and some National Institutes of Health studies, is expected to dry up quickly.
Disrupted travel plans as a result of the shutdown may seem minor compared to these weightier issues. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand what the shutdown means for everything from national park closures to passport processing times.
Here are the answers to some common questions about how the shutdown could impact your travel plans.
Will my flight be canceled?
