Month: October 2025

On Wednesday, the federal government officially shut down after Congress failed to reach a deal on a federal budget, meaning that hundreds of thousands of federal employees across the country will be furloughed until an agreement can be reached.

While many industries will be largely unaffected, and many consumers might not directly feel the impacts of the shutdown, that certainly will not be the case for the travel industry, as the nation’s major airlines have warned.

Why Did the Government Shut Down?

On Wednesday, Reuters cited “deep partisan divisions” as the reason why Congress and the White House were not able to reach a funding deal, resulting in the federal government shutdown.

Reuters reported that this could begin “a long, grueling standoff” that could impact the airline industry.

“There was no clear path out of the impasse, while agencies warned that the 15th government shutdown since 1981 would halt the release of a closely watched September employment report, slow air travel, suspend scientific research, withhold pay from U.S. troops and lead to the furlough of 750,000 federal workers at a daily cost of $400 million.” Reuters wrote on Wednesday.

Airlines Issue Clear Warning

One major industry that will certainly be impacted by the government shutdown is the airline industry, given the reliance on federal workers within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) who run the security checkpoints at airports across the country.

Airlines for America, a trade group that represents major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, recently issued a pretty clear warning to all travelers, warning that this government shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports and delayed flights.

“When federal employees who manage air traffic, inspect aircraft and secure our nation’s aviation system are furloughed or working without pay, the entire industry and millions of Americans feel the strain,” the group said in a statement reported by Reuters.

The major airlines warned that as a result of the furloughs, the airline system may need to slow down,” which would reduce efficiency and impact on-time departures and arrivals.

So next time you fly, make sure to allow for a little extra time at the airport.

A United Airlines lounge at a major Eastern airport was shut down on Monday due to a number of health code violations.

The  Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced that the United lounge at Philadelphia International Airport would be shut down for a “minimum of 48 hours” after uncovering more than a dozen issues, including flies in the bar and men’s room areas, equipment in disrepair, food debris on the floor in the food prep area and more.

Investigators also determined that the lounge does not employ anyone with a valid food safety certificate from the Philadelphia Health Department.

“This inspection has revealed that the establishment is not in satisfactory compliance,” the DPH announcement reads. “Corrective action is required to eliminate these violations. Compliance status will be assessed upon reinspection.

“Due to imminent health hazards observed during this inspection, the establishment has been issued a Cease Operations Order and must discontinue food operations immediately. The establishment cannot operate for a minimum of 48 hours. The establishment cannot operate until the required fee is paid and the establishment is approved by the Department to resume operations. Please contact the Sanitarian at the phone number listed below for a re-inspection once the violations have been corrected and the fee has been paid.”

United addresses the matter

In a statement Tuesday, United Airlines says it was in the matter of fixing “the shortcomings” uncovered by the inspection.

“We are working with our service provider Sodexo and the city of Philadelphia to fix the shortcomings found by the city,” a United Airlines spokesperson said, via Philly Voice. “We look forward to re-opening the club soon.” 

United Club lounges are open to United Airlines premium members and others who have same-day passes for United flights.