Pack Your Patience — What the Government Shutdown Means for Travelers
Aunties, you already know — when we travel, we travel with style, grace, and a touch of Auntie wisdom. But with the current U.S. government shutdown, we need to pack one more thing before we roll out to the airport: patience.
Here’s why. Agencies like TSA and Customs & Border Protection are being impacted, and many of those amazing folks who keep us safe in the skies are working without pay. That means airport operations may move a little slower — not because people don’t care, but because they’re doing their best under tough circumstances.
So before you grab that carry-on, here are a few travel tips straight from the Auntie-Approved playbook:
💼 1. Pack Your Patience
Expect longer lines at TSA checkpoints and possible slowdowns at customs or immigration. Arrive at least 3 hours early for international flights and 2 hours early for domestic, especially during busy travel hours. Give yourself the gift of time.
✈️ 2. Rethink Those Layovers
If you can, book nonstop flights instead of ones with connections.
Here’s the tea: a delay on your first flight can easily make you miss your second one — and with staffing challenges during a shutdown, rebooking might not be quick. If a nonstop isn’t available from your home airport, it may be worth driving to a nearby airport that offers one. A little extra drive time now could save you a whole lot of stress later.
🧳 3. Be Kind — It’s Free
Remember, TSA officers and other airport staff are showing up without paychecks. A smile, a “thank you,” or even a quick “we appreciate you” can make someone’s day. Aunties travel with compassion and class — let’s show the world what that looks like.
🕶️ 4. Be Prepared
Keep your ID, passport, and boarding pass ready to go. Slip-on shoes, organized carry-ons, and liquids already bagged can help move you through security faster. The more prepared you are, the smoother things will go.
☕ 5. Build in Buffer Time
If you absolutely must take a connecting flight, make sure your layover is at least 90 minutes to 2 hours, especially for international connections. And when you arrive, don’t sprint to your next gate — check for updates before you hustle. Sometimes flights get adjusted mid-air.
🌍 6. Keep Calm and Carry On
Delays can happen, but don’t let them dim your shine. Bring a good book, load your favorite playlist, and keep your cool. This too shall pass — and your dream destination is still waiting with open arms.
✈️ Bottom line: Even when travel gets tricky, Aunties always keep it cute, calm, and collected.
Pack your patience, protect your peace, and let’s keep traveling the world — one graceful step at a time.