The government may shut down tonight if Congress fails to approve a new funding resolution, but this is unlikely to disrupt your holiday travel arrangements.

While the federal government plays a crucial role in transportation, especially in air travel, most of its employees are classified as essential even during a funding crisis. This means that security personnel at airports and those who authorize flights will report to work, though they will not receive pay until the funding situation is addressed. The agency also warns that an extended shutdown could result in longer wait times at airport security.

“At the Transportation Security Administration, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, around 59,000 out of more than 62,000 employees are deemed essential and will continue to work without pay if a shutdown occurs,” a TSA representative told YSL News. “We anticipate screening about 40 million travelers during the holiday season and through January 2. While our staff is prepared to manage high traveler volumes and maintain the safety of our transport systems, a prolonged shutdown could lead to increased wait times at airports.”

In the past, travel disruptions caused by government shutdowns have been minimal. In 2019, it took roughly two weeks without pay before FAA controllers and TSA agents began to not show up for work, leading to delays and long security lines. Eventually, the government reached a funding agreement, restoring normal operations.

(This story was updated to include new information.)