Update, 6:43 p.m.: The US government appeared poised to avoid a prolonged government shutdown after the House of Representatives voted to approve legislation on Friday Financial statement Only Hours before a midnight deadline. The bill is expected to pass in the Senate before heading to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned about this an impending government shutdown could lead to longer waiting times for travelers at airport security checkpoints. The warning is coming as the TSA announced a record number of 40 million air passengers took to the skies during the two-week holiday travel period that began Thursday.

Most TSA employees, about 95%, are considered essential and would therefore keep their jobs in the event of a closure – but without pay, said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a post on X.

Air traffic controllers are also considered essential workers and are expected to work without a paycheck. Employees would be paid after a shutdown ends.

The U.S. Travel Association, a trade group that represents the industry, said Friday that a government shutdown could cost the sector $1 billion a week because of disruptions during the peak travel season.

“An extended government shutdown threatens disruptions to leisure travel that Americans will not tolerate,” the group’s CEO Geoff Freeman said in a statement. “It is hard to imagine anyone in Congress winning by forcing TSA employees, air traffic controllers and other essential employees to work without pay during one of the busiest travel times of the year.”

A survey by the group also found that 60% of Americans said they would consider changing their travel plans if there was a government shutdown, including canceling flights and trips, which would result in significant economic losses for travel-related businesses.

Here’s how a government shutdown will affect air travel for consumers.

Will the government shutdown impact flights?

Not at the moment. Passengers can continue to travel on the flights they have booked, with operations expected to continue as normal, at least for the first few days of the lockdown. That’s because TSA agents, air traffic controllers and other essential airport employees remain on the job.

Will TSA screening lines be longer?

While passengers are always encouraged to arrive at the airport earlier than usual during peak travel times, this advice could be even more applicable in the event of a closure.

“While our staff is prepared to handle high travel volumes and ensure safe travel, please be aware that an extended closure could result in longer wait times at airports,” TSA’s Pekoske warned.

“My advice: Arrive at the airport early so you have enough time to park your car, check in your luggage and go through security,” he added.

The last government shutdown in 2018-2019 lasted 35 days. While TSA officers were also considered essential at the time, the number of officers calling in sick increased as the shutdown dragged on and financial problems arose.

“After TSA officers started missing paychecks, the number of sick calls increased,” said CBS News senior transportation and national correspondent Kris Van Cleave. “There may not be an immediate impact at all airports, particularly if it is a short closure. If the shutdown drags on, you will have a workforce that is among the lowest paid government employees,” he said.

If TSA employees no longer report to work in significant numbers in the event of an extended government shutdown, wait times at security checkpoints would likely increase.

What about air traffic controllers?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is already struggling with a shortage of air traffic controllers, who are responsible for securing the nation’s airspace by directing takeoffs and landings and making sure planes don’t fly too close to each other. About a month after LaGuardia Airport was last closed temporarily delayed flights due to staff shortages, including among air traffic controllers.

In the event of a closure, the more than 14,000 air traffic controllers in the United States would have to report to work without pay.

What would a government shutdown mean for passport processing?

According to the State Department’s contingency plan, consular operations will continue as normal “as long as there are sufficient charges to support operations” because they are essential to national security. This includes passport and visa services.

Still, some passport services may be limited if they are located in buildings operated by another agency that is not in operation.