What to know about holiday travel post government shutdown

SALISBURY, Md. – The holiday surge is about to hit airports. WMDT spoke to airport officials at Salisbury Airport to find out if there were any residual effects from the government shutdown and what travelers need to know ahead of the holidays.

Salisbury Airport Director Tony Rudy said that though three of the airport’s destinations were impacted by the government shutdown, the airport’s operations were not significantly affected.

“So, I’m sure that did impact some of our travelers a little bit, making their connecting flights elsewhere,” he said.

Jon Paul Brossus of Frankfurt, DE, said he was relieved that the shutdown was over ahead of the holidays.

“It feels pretty good that, you know, they’ll have to deal with that extra stress because traveling is always a bit stressful for me,” he said.

Officials said getting to the airport with at least an hour and a half of time even if there are delays, using a carry on instead of checked luggage and trying to book flights that are before 11 AM can help ensure travelers make it on time to their destinations.

Airport staff also urged travelers to stay patient during the holidays.

“Be kind,” First Officer for Republic Airways Xavier Cox said. “I see a lot of times our flight attendants and the gate agent, they take a lot of the brute criticism from passengers, where a lot of times it’s not their fault.”

Rebekah Backof said that the recent shutdown caused some financial stress for families planning travel and holiday festivities, but that family is worth any struggle.

“Family’s always family, so you kind of make do and make it work,” she said.

Rudy said to avoid crowds by not traveling on the busiest day, which he said will be after Thanksgiving on Sunday, December 30th, when most people try to go back home.