How the Government Shutdown Is Reshaping Your Travel Plans (And How to Stay Prepared With Ease + Intention)
You know I’m all about helping you travel with intention, clarity, and confidence… but whew, this government shutdown has been doing the absolute most.
If you’ve been watching the news or nervously refreshing your flight updates while clutching your carry-on, you already know things have been wild out here. And I don’t mean “Caribbean breeze and beach drink” wild — I mean “your 7 a.m. flight just got canceled… again” wild.
And because so many of you are traveling for Thanksgiving, holiday reunions, long-awaited solo resets, and bucket-list adventures, we need to talk about what’s happening — honestly, calmly, and clearly.
This isn’t about politics.
This is about your time, your money, your peace, and your safety.
So let’s break it down, together.
The Reality Check: What's Actually Happening
Air traffic controllers and TSA agents — the folks who literally keep our skies safe — have been working without pay for more than 40 days. It’s heartbreaking and infuriating all at once. And it’s created major strain on an aviation system that was already stretched too thin.
You don’t need stats to feel the impact… but here are a few that paint the picture:
Over 10,000 flights were delayed in a single day, with more than 2,800 cancellations on the worst travel disruption day since the shutdown began
On some days, over 8% of scheduled U.S. flights were canceled
The FAA mandated flight cuts at 40 of the busiest airports nationwide, initially at 4% but rising to as high as 10%
The travel economy is losing an estimated $1 billion every week due to disruptions in air and rail travel
And here's what breaks my heart: Some air traffic controllers are taking second jobs just to make ends meet, making it even harder for the FAA to retain talent and address chronic staffing shortages.
Even With the Shutdown Technically Over, the Ripples Are Real
Yes, a funding bill was signed.
No, this doesn’t magically fix the system.
Airlines need time to rebuild:
✔ Crews need to be repositioned
✔ Planes need to be moved
✔ Schedules need to be restructured
Translation? Those “short connections” you loved pre-shutdown… yeah, probably not so short for a while.
The Thanksgiving window is expected to be rough, maybe even the roughest we’ve seen in years. Travel leaders are even warning that flight availability may be reduced to a “trickle” if airlines can’t stabilize quickly.
I know. Deep breath.
But here’s where intentional travel comes in and where you are absolutely not powerless.
What This Means for Intentional Travelers (That's You)
Here's where I get girlfriend-honest with you.
This shutdown has reminded us of something crucial: the systems we rely on for travel are fragile. And while we can't control government decisions or FAA mandates, we can control how we prepare, plan, and pivot.
If there's anything my years of curating transformational travel experiences have taught me, it's that flexibility and preparation are your two best friends, especially in uncertain times.
Your Action Plan: 8 Ways to Protect Your Travel Plans Right Now
1. Download Your Airline App Immediately
Set up live notifications on your phone so you're instantly alerted to any changes to your flight. You want to be the first to know, not the last person standing at the gate.
2. Get to the Airport Early (Like, Really Early)
I'm talking 3 hours for domestic flights during this period. Yes, I know it sounds excessive. But TSA lines are unpredictable right now, and the last thing you need is to miss your rebooked flight because of security delays.
3. Have a Backup Plan
Consider alternative transportation options—rental cars, Amtrak, even bus services. It might take longer, but at least you'll get there. Demand for one-way car rentals and private jet charters has already increased significantly.
4. Book Flexible Fares When Possible
Most major airlines are offering extra flexibility right now. It might cost a bit more upfront, but the peace of mind? Priceless.
5. Travel Light
If your connection gets cut short or you need to pivot to a different flight, having only a carry-on makes everything easier. Plus, there's less risk of lost luggage during this chaos.
6. Join Airline Loyalty Programs
Members often get priority rebooking. If you're not already enrolled, now's the time. It takes 5 minutes and could save you hours of stress.
7. Consider Travel Insurance
Here's the catch: Most standard policies have "known event" clauses, meaning insurance purchased after the shutdown began likely won't cover related disruptions. But it's still worth exploring for future trips.
8. Stay Connected to Your Airline
Have their customer service number saved. Follow them on social media for real-time updates. The more ways you can reach them quickly, the better.
For International Travelers: A Silver Lining
International flights were not required to be cut under the FAA's order, which means if you're planning to join our upcoming Morocco trip or Bali retreat, you might actually face fewer disruptions than domestic travelers.
This doesn't mean international travel is immune, connections through U.S. airports could still be affected but it's one small piece of good news in all this chaos.
The Bigger Picture: Travel Beyond the Headlines
Here's what I keep coming back to: this shutdown has disrupted millions of travel plans, yes. But it's also highlighted something I've been preaching for years—the importance of traveling with intention, not just expectation.
When you approach travel as an opportunity for transformation rather than just a checklist of destinations, you build in a different kind of flexibility. You become adaptable. You learn to find joy even when plans change. You discover that sometimes the detours are where the real magic happens.
I'm not saying a canceled flight to see your family for Thanksgiving is "magical", let's be clear about that. But I am saying that how we respond to travel challenges shapes us as much as the destinations we reach.
What About Upcoming Retreats and Group Trips?
I've had several women reach out asking about our Moonglade retreats and how this shutdown affects them. Here's my commitment to you:
For our 2025 Arizona Wellness Retreat (May) and Morocco Small Group Trip (June):
We're monitoring the situation daily
We have contingency plans in place
Your investment is protected
We'll maintain open communication every step of the way
For our October Bali Retreat:
By the time we travel, the aviation system should be stabilized
We're building extra buffer time into our itineraries
We're working with trusted partners who can adapt quickly
The truth is, curated group travel with an experienced travel professional (hi, that's me) gives you a layer of protection that DIY travel doesn't. We handle the pivots, the rebookings, the stress so you can focus on the transformation.
The Solo Travel Perspective
If you've been on the fence about solo travel, this shutdown might have you thinking, "Well, definitely not now!"
But hear me out.
Solo travel, especially when you're working with a travel coach or joining a small group trip actually gives you more flexibility during uncertain times, not less. You're not coordinating multiple people's schedules. You're not stressed about ruining someone else's vacation. You can pivot quickly and make decisions that work for YOU.
Plus, some of my most transformative travel moments have come from unexpected changes to the plan. That's when you dig deep and discover the courage that was inside you all along. (Sound familiar?)
Moving Forward: What We Can Learn
This shutdown won't last forever. Flights will normalize. The travel industry will recover.
But the lessons? Those stick with us.
Lesson #1: Preparation matters. The women who had backup plans, flexible tickets, and buffer time? They're the ones still making their trips happen.
Lesson #2: Travel is a privilege—and it's worth protecting. The federal workers who've been showing up without pay to keep our skies safe deserve our respect and gratitude. Travel doesn't happen without them. Next time you’re in the airport leave a gift card for a TSA employee to spread some love and show your appreciation.
Lesson #3: Community is everything. This is when having a travel advisor, a supportive community, or experienced guidance makes all the difference. You don't have to figure this out alone.
Your Next Steps
If you're traveling in the next few weeks:
Implement the action plan above
Stay flexible and patient
Give yourself extra time for everything
Be kind to airline staff and TSA agents, they're dealing with a lot right now
If you're planning future trips:
Don't let this scare you away from booking
Build in extra contingency time
Consider working with a travel professional who can handle the what-ifs
Remember: most of the time, travel goes smoothly
If you're dreaming of solo travel:
Watch our free Solo Travel Masterclass to learn how to plan with confidence
Join our community of intentional travelers
Let's talk about how travel coaching can help you navigate uncertain times
The Bottom Line
Yes, the government shutdown has disrupted travel in unprecedented ways. Yes, it's frustrating, stressful, and for many people, heartbreaking.
But it hasn't stopped the call to explore, connect, and transform.
Your travel dreams are still valid. Your desire to see the world, to challenge yourself, to grow through new experiences, none of that goes away because of flight delays or political gridlock.
What changes is how we approach it.
With more preparation. More flexibility. More intention. More grace, for ourselves and for the people working hard to get us where we need to go.
Because at the end of the day, travel isn't just about the destination. It's about who you become along the way, including during the detours.
Ready to plan your next transformative journey? Whether it's our Arizona Wellness Retreat, Morocco Small Group Trip, or personalized travel coaching, I'm here to help you travel with confidence, no matter what challenges arise. Visit https://www.moongladetravel.com to learn more.
Disclaimer: Travel conditions are rapidly evolving. Always check directly with airlines and official sources for the most current information about your specific flights and destinations.