The federal government will shut down at 12:01 a.m. tonight, and that means changes are coming to airports across Georgia and the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What It Means For You:<\/strong> Your flights may be delayed or take longer than usual. Airport security lines could move slower. Air traffic controllers and airport security workers will still show up to keep you safe, but they won’t get paid until the shutdown ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s Happening:<\/strong> Airlines For America, which represents major airlines, warned Congress to find a solution before the deadline. The group says forcing aviation workers to work without pay will strain the entire system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why The Timing Is Bad:<\/strong> The shutdown comes right after Congress approved $12.5 billion to upgrade the country’s air traffic control system. The Department of Transportation has been hiring more air traffic controllers to fill empty positions. TSA just reported record numbers of travelers going through checkpoints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Big Picture:<\/strong> Aviation remains the safest way to travel, but the system may need to slow down to maintain safety standards when workers are stressed by missing paychecks. Past shutdowns have caused longer wait times at airports and flight delays as the system operates with reduced efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sources:<\/strong> Airlines For America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n