Will UK flights incoming to the US be affected by a US govt. shutdown?

[Threehearts]

I thought to post my question on the UK community board as there are frequent flyers to the US.

I am expecting my daughter in to the US from London where she is studying, next week. Have any of you arrived to the US from the UK during one of our previous government shutdowns and if so, were there issues? A shutdown seems rather likely as of today.

Thank you.

Threehearts

 

[Mle8308]

Not likely, essential employees, such as the TSA, still work. Same with Customs. National Park Service employees are an example of who may not work, as they are not considered essential.

 

[Threehearts]

Thank you.
I wasn't sure if lines would be longer at airports as federal employees would not be paid and TSA could be backed up.

 

[EACarlson]

Thank you.
I wasn't sure if lines would be longer at airports as federal employees would not be paid and TSA could be backed up.

It's possible. Probably not for the first few days though. After a few days some "essential" employees begin staying home as they aren't getting paid on time, that would limit throughput when there aren't enough employees to do the jobs. At some airports, screening isn't done by TSA so would be unaffected. CBP is the bigger concern, don't think too many are going to throw away a lucrative career in federal law enforcement until they absolutely have to.

 

[Mle8308]

Thank you.
I wasn't sure if lines would be longer at airports as federal employees would not be paid and TSA could be backed up.

As @EACarlson mentioned, lines could definitely be longer, but she should not have issues getting back to the US.

 

[Threehearts]

As @EACarlson mentioned, lines could definitely be longer, but she should not have issues getting back to the US.

Thanks so much for the replies

 

[RuntheMouse]

Thank you.
I wasn't sure if lines would be longer at airports as federal employees would not be paid and TSA could be backed up.

We flew during the Christmas 2018 shutdown. TSA was functional but rather surly and not very motivated.