Why Your Orlando Airport Security Wait Could Be A LOT Longer Soon

Let’s face it — traveling from A to B can be stressful and going to and from Orlando isn’t always exempt.

Orlando Airport

Between all the time it takes to plan a vacation and then budgeting to actually get out there, the time leading up to your vacation can be rough. That also includes the airport experience. Unfortunately, it looks like the security portion of the air travel experience could be getting worse soon.

Holiday travel might be over, but that doesn’t mean its problems are about to ease up. A possible government shutdown could be on the horizon and with that could come complications with air travel.

Congress has just a few weeks left to come to a consensus on government funding or face a shutdown. Although a bill was signed by President Biden to keep government agencies funded in 2023, that timeframe is running out and now a new funding plan must be agreed upon to avoid a shutdown. If an agreement is not reached by February 2nd, funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration, would run out.

Whether or not the shutdown actually happens remains to be seen but travelers should be prepared for the negative outcome, regardless. Airports like Orlando International Airport (MCO) depend on federal workers to function and a shutdown could create chaos. TSA and air traffic controllers are essential government employees and a shutdown would mean they would have to work without pay.

With the possibility of furlough and adding stress to an already stressful job, air travel workers potentially face an uphill battle. In the past, government shutdowns have led to airport employees calling out, working side jobs to make ends meet, and leaving airports understaffed.

Security lines at Orlando International Airport

If airports like MCO become understaffed, that just means longer waits when going through TSA security checkpoints. A shutdown would also impact air traffic controllers and the travel process, likely leading to longer delays.

Shutdowns would also stall the processing and renewals of passports, so if you’re traveling internationally and need a passport update you should be prepared for obstacles there.

Hopefully, Congress will resolve the government funding issue, but you should prepare for all scenarios. Brace yourself financially and practice patience if you plan to travel and the whole process could go a little smoother.

In the meantime, we’ll keep you posted with updates as this story develops, so stay tuned right here at AllEars for all the latest.

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