Air travel is expected to worsen as the US government shutdown enters its 31st day, with air traffic controllers working without pay. The current shortage of controllers has led to significant delays at major airports like Orlando International Airport, where passengers are facing average wait times of over two hours.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation will only get worse if the shutdown prolongs into the Thanksgiving and Christmas travel seasons. He noted that while weather conditions and traffic are currently relatively favorable, this is a temporary reprieve. The stress of not receiving paychecks is taking a toll on air traffic controllers, with many resorting to taking on extra jobs to make ends meet.
According to Duffy, the lack of pay is causing increasing stress among controllers, who are now facing financial difficulties and feeling fatigued. This, in turn, poses a significant risk to public safety as the controllers coordinate air traffic. One controller, who has started driving for DoorDash during his off-hours, revealed that his daughter has noticed the impact on his behavior.
The shutdown's effects extend beyond air travel, with millions of Americans facing reduced SNAP benefits starting Saturday. The Trump administration has refused to release emergency funds set aside by USDA to support those affected, although a lawsuit is underway to compel the government to spend the money.
In a surprise move, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby attended a press conference at the White House and expressed support for a "clean CR," which would prevent Democrats from negotiating on health care tax credits. The airline's donation of $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether corporate interests are being prioritized over the welfare of federal employees.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation will only get worse if the shutdown prolongs into the Thanksgiving and Christmas travel seasons. He noted that while weather conditions and traffic are currently relatively favorable, this is a temporary reprieve. The stress of not receiving paychecks is taking a toll on air traffic controllers, with many resorting to taking on extra jobs to make ends meet.
According to Duffy, the lack of pay is causing increasing stress among controllers, who are now facing financial difficulties and feeling fatigued. This, in turn, poses a significant risk to public safety as the controllers coordinate air traffic. One controller, who has started driving for DoorDash during his off-hours, revealed that his daughter has noticed the impact on his behavior.
The shutdown's effects extend beyond air travel, with millions of Americans facing reduced SNAP benefits starting Saturday. The Trump administration has refused to release emergency funds set aside by USDA to support those affected, although a lawsuit is underway to compel the government to spend the money.
In a surprise move, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby attended a press conference at the White House and expressed support for a "clean CR," which would prevent Democrats from negotiating on health care tax credits. The airline's donation of $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund has raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether corporate interests are being prioritized over the welfare of federal employees.
and now it's gonna get worse because those controllers aren't getting paid 
can you even imagine not knowing when you're gonna get your paycheck? And it's not just them, millions more are getting hit with reduced SNAP benefits starting Saturday 
what a nightmare. And meanwhile, United Airlines is basically saying "we care about federal employees... as long as our interests aren't threatened" 
like, no thanks. It's just another reason to hate the shutdown 
. I mean, I get it, politicians and bureaucrats have more important things on their plates than paychecks, but come on... 31 days without a paycheck? That's unacceptable for anyone, let alone people who are literally keeping the country airborne 
. And now they're saying it'll only get worse? What's next, a strike at NASA or something? 
. And what about all those people relying on SNAP benefits? It's like the government is putting profits over people 
what's next? paying pilots in hopes we don't crash or something? 
i feel for the families of these controllers, especially that DoorDash driver who has to hide his daughter from him because he can't afford to be there for her 
1 million bucks from United Airlines for Trump's inaugural fund? what a joke 
corporations are always more concerned with profits than people's lives...
and you got yourself a recipe for disaster. I mean, I get it, the government shutdown is no joke, but come on, we gotta think about public safety here 
. Those controllers are not just pressing buttons, they're literally saving lives 
.
. Can't we just get along and support our own instead of playing favorites? 
. I get it, corporate interests are looking out for themselves, but come on, can't we all just get along? The stress is real, and it's not just about the money, it's about people's livelihoods being put at risk. We need to figure this out ASAP, before more lives get affected 
.
The thought of them having to juggle work and other jobs is so stressful. And poor families who are gonna lose SNAP benefits - that's just awful! 
I think this is actually an opportunity for the government to get some things done, maybe get that CR passed and stuff. And hey, United Airlines donating a million bucks to Trump's inaugural fund could be seen as a positive thing, like they're trying to help out 
.
. It's not just their jobs that are at risk, but public safety too! They're already stressed out and having to take on extra work to make ends meet, it's only a matter of time before mistakes happen on the runway 
.
). They're not asking for much, just paychecks so they can support themselves and their families. The fact that some politicians are more worried about corporate donations than human lives is honestly wild. I mean, what's next? 
It's time for our leaders to put people over profits! 
️ With air traffic controllers on strike and working without pay, I'm not surprised to see delays piling up like crazy at airports 
. Hope the government figure out a solution ASAP so they can focus on keeping us safe in the skies