Travel Tips During the Government Shutdown

The Travel Gals (and Guy) here at Anywhere But Here Travel, Inc. are keeping an eye on the effects the partial government shutdown is having on travel. It continues to affect many of our local federal airport workers, including TSA Agents, Customs Officials and Air Traffic Controllers. Thankfully, all local airports are currently reporting few impacts to operations and travelers can expect normal wait times.

However, as the shutdown continues, this may change. We want you to be prepared, so here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

More than 24 hours before departure:

• Sign up for alerts on your airline’s website; you’ll be notified of any changes to your flight.
• Sign up for an expedited security membership with TSA PreCheck (SeaTac, Spokane & Tri-Cities) or Clear (SeaTac) to get through security faster.
• HINT: If you sign up with our Clear link, you will get a free 2-month trial!

24 hours before departure:

• Check in to your flight online – don’t wait until you get to the airport.
• Check for any changes to your flight.

Day of departure:

• Check your flight status.
• Get to the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights.
• Consider checking your bag to help speed up the security process.
• Check airport websites and social media for updates on security wait times.

Help Families Affected by the Shutdown

We would like to thank all the federal workers who continue to do their jobs without pay to maintain the safety of all Americans. The government shutdown is a significant burden to these workers and their families. Your local AAA office is currently collecting donations to support them so please donate if you can.

Here are some guidelines:

• Donate nonperishable food items or gift cards for online retailers, gas companies, restaurants or grocery stores ($20 maximum value each).
• AAA cannot accept cash or prepaid debit/credit cards.
• Bring your donations to these select AAA stores: Alderwood/Lynnwood, Bellevue, Bellingham , Coeur d’Alene, Mount Vernon, Seattle, Southcenter/Tukwila, Spokane, North Spokane, Olympia, Tacoma, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Wenatchee or Yakima.

Some airports are accepting donations as well:

• If you’re traveling soon, many airports are accepting donations – SeaTac International, Yakima/McAllister Field, Tri-Cities/Pasco, Bellingham, and Wenatchee/Pangborn. Donations at SeaTac International Airport can be made on the reception level (one level above ticketing) between 7:30 am – 5:00 pm.
• Please do not hand gifts directly to airport workers as they cannot accept them.