More than one million civilian federal employees have gone without pay since October 1, when the government shut down after Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the new fiscal year or a continuing resolution to fund programs that rely on annual spending plans. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, roughly 730,000 of those employees are classified as essential workers and are required to continue working during what has now become the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

Among those deemed essential are nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who oversee the safety of more than 50,000 daily operations across the national airspace system. Staffing shortages among controllers, combined with many workers calling out sick during the shutdown, have accounted for nearly 53% of flight delays. In an effort to alleviate the strain, fatigue and financial stress placed on these workers and to maintain safe flying conditions, the FAA announced that it would be forcing airlines to cut 10% of their flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports starting November 7, including LAX, which serves 75 million travelers annually, as well as four other airports in California. This move could impact as many as 1,800 flights per day across the country.

With the busy holiday season fast approaching, these recent developments will no doubt add another layer of chaos to an already hectic and historically busy travel period. In 2024, the American Automobile Association (AAA) projected that nearly 80 million people would travel during the week of Thanksgiving, including 6.58 million Southern California residents venturing 50 miles or more from home. This year will likely mirror those trends, with many travelers bracing for flight disruptions, while others opt to drive, take the train or rethink their plans altogether. Regardless of how you travel, it’s important to remain patient, flexible and safe amid the holiday hustle and bustle. To help ease some of the stress, LAAPOA has compiled a list of important things to keep in mind as you make your travel plans.

Before Your Journey Begins

In advance of your travels, there are several precautions you should take before leaving home to give yourself peace of mind and avoid being targeted by criminals.

• Secure your home, including installing a burglar alarm, storing valuables in safe lock boxes, locking all doors and windows, placing lights on timers, canceling deliveries and having a trusted neighbor check in.

• Don’t share details of your travels in public places, on social media, or to taxi or rideshare drivers.
• Stay informed on traffic or weather conditions that may affect your trip, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Pack early to avoid feeling frazzled on your travel day. Last-minute packing can lead to overpacking or forgetting essentials such as your driver’s license, passport and insurance cards. If you’re flying, review the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” list for detailed information on permitted carry-on and checked items.

Navigating the Airport

LAX’s $30 billion modernization project ahead of the 2028 Olympics has been ongoing for several years now, resulting in multiple detours and increased traffic in the area. The closure of Terminal 5 for renovation at the end of October marks the latest phase of the project, prompting several airlines — including American Airlines, JetBlue and Spirit — to relocate their operations elsewhere on the property. This disruption adds yet another factor travelers should consider when planning their trip to the airport, as it’s recommended that you arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to allow adequate time for check-in and security.

• Visit flyax.com for the latest airport updates, follow real-time traffic, parking and screening information on X @flylaxstats and review LAX’s guide and tips for travelers to navigate the airport more efficiently.
• If you need to park, save time by prebooking a space online at flylax.com. If you’re getting a ride, consider being dropped off at the LAX Economy Parking Facility, which offers a free shuttle to the terminals.
• If you don’t want to worry about traffic, try using alternative transportation such as ride-sharing, the LAX FlyAway or the Metro, which recently opened its LAX/Metro Transit Center that connects the C and K Lines directly to the airport via a free shuttle.
• Travelers using Terminals 7 and 8 can take advantage of the free LAX Fast Lane, a pilot program that lets you reserve a 15-minute window to breeze through security checkpoints in a dedicated lane.

• Attach a sturdy personal identification tag with your name, email address and phone number to your luggage, and keep your bags in hand or within sight at all times. Never agree to watch a stranger’s luggage or transport items for someone else. Report any unattended baggage or other suspicious objects or activities you observe.
• Keep your wallet, phone and boarding pass in a secure place (consider having a mobile boarding pass as a backup to your printed one), and put away your driver’s license or passport as soon as you pass through security.

On the Road

While air travel often makes the headlines, driving remains the most popular way to travel during the holidays. According to AAA, approximately 107 million people took to the roads in 2024 to reach their destinations, and this year will likely follow suit. With more drivers on the road from now through the end of the year, there are several safety tips that drivers should keep in mind.

• Thoroughly inspect your vehicle before hitting the road, including checking tires (including the spare), battery and brakes. Additionally, create an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle, stocked with a cellphone charger and portable power bank, flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, drinking water, nonperishable food and other essentials.
• Follow all traffic signs and speed limits. Speeding endangers you, other drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Don’t drive while tired. AAA reports that driving on four to five hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 (legally intoxicated), and the risk doubles with less than four hours of rest. Be sure to take breaks every two hours or every 100 miles.
• When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road, slow down and move over. Traffic-related fatalities are among the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths in law enforcement, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Help prevent these tragedies by staying alert and changing lanes to give responders the space they need to work safely.

Remain Vigilant Throughout Your Trip

It’s important to remain aware of your surroundings while in public spaces, especially in high-traffic areas such as airports, tourist hotspots and shopping malls, which can be vulnerable to terrorist attacks, mass shootings or opportunistic criminals targeting those who appear distracted or rushed. Take time to familiarize yourself with how to respond in an active-shooter situation, and always follow instructions from law enforcement.

“LAAPOA hopes these tips help your travels go smoothly and allow you to arrive safely at your destinations to enjoy time with your loved ones,” President Marshall McClain says. “Rest assured that our members and our law enforcement brothers and sisters across the country will be hard at work safeguarding travelers this season, just as they do year-round. We are deeply grateful for their continued dedication and for going above and beyond, especially during this busy time of year.”