The season for holiday travel strain has come again — this year, with more concern. Effects of the most recent government shutdown linger among travelers despite the removal of airport restrictions.
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history came to an end after President Donald Trump signed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026. The shutdown had largely affected airports nationwide, increasing concern among travelers about upcoming holiday flights.
Restrictions put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration included the reduction of flights by 10%, causing delays and cancellations nationwide. On Sunday, the FAA announced previously placed restrictions would be terminated on Nov. 17.
Though airport operations have returned to normal, holiday travelers remain skeptical about their upcoming flight status.
Ruby Lamb, a sophomore studying psychology, said she wants to be able to go home and not get delayed in the process.
"I also don't want anything to (happen) with the plane," Lamb said. "I don't want any malfunctions, and people aren't able to fix it because it's understaffed."
Amidst the shutdown, at least 670,000 federal employees were furloughed and roughly 730,000 continued to work without pay, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Four times as many staffing shortages have been reported at air traffic control centers since the government shutdown began compared to last year, according to a statement from the White House.
Air traffic control staffing levels have steadied since the end of the government shutdown with a positive trend line over the weekend, according a press release by the FAA.
Maya Foulks, a junior studying media arts and sciences, said her most pressing concern is flight cancellations.
"I'll be really pissed if I'm at the airport or even on the way to the airport and my flight is canceled," Foulks said. "So, hopefully that doesn't happen."
How to navigate the holiday travel
The holiday seasons are among the busiest times of the year, a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport spokesperson wrote in a statement.
The spokesperson recommended that passengers and those dropping them off confirm the status of their flight before departing for the airport. Flight statuses can be found on the Phoenix Sky Harbor website.
Checking the status of your flight beforehand can save time or frustration in the event of a delay or change in flight plans, according to the Phoenix Sky Harbor statement.
Phoenix Sky Harbor also wrote that passengers should avoid driving on roadways near terminals and use the Phoenix Sky Train instead.
If planning to leave a vehicle at the airport, it is encouraged on the website that individuals reserve parking ahead of time to avoid missing flights.
Whether traveling home to see loved ones or spending the holiday abroad, it is always encouraged to arrive at the airport early, the spokesperson said.
"I always get to the airport two hours before, so I'm going to stick with that and just try to get there on time," Foulk said.
READ MORE: How Sun Devils can get to Sky Harbor airport to travel home for the holidays
The Phoenix Sky Harbor spokesperson said passengers should arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance for a domestic flight and three hours for an international flight.
Phoenix Sky Harbor recently launched a new digital assistant, Amelia. Travelers can utilize the tool to ask airport-related questions concerning parking, amenities and more.
Though the government shutdown has come to an end, holiday travel still remains a stressful experience for most. With proper planning and awareness, passengers can spend more time at their destination.
"Hopefully, not just me, but anyone else's flight doesn't get canceled," Foulk said. "I know it's a time for people to come home to their families."
Edited by Natalia Rodriguez, Senna James and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporters at emalvar9@asu.edu and dbell39@asu.edu and follow @Emilioalva17 and @dhemibell on X.
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Dhemi Bell is a reporter on the Community and Culture desk at The State Press. She is a second-year at Arizona State University. This is her first semester with The State Press.
Emilio is a junior at Arizona State University and this is his second semester at The State Press.
