Automatic U.S. federal spending cuts, dubbed “sequestration,” could begin affecting travelers—including those traveling to the U.S. from abroad—before the end of April.
The issue is complicated, and while the effects have not yet taken a substantial toll on travelers, that could happen soon. For example, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration officials have warned that furloughs scheduled later this month could mean runway closures at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and worsening air congestion around New York.
So, what can a travel manager do to get ready? BCD Travel has compiled answers to some frequently asked questions to guide your course of action.
What is the U.S. sequester?
Simply put, the sequester, or sequestration, refers to $85.4 billion in broad budget cuts to the U.S. government that went into effect March 1. Because sequestration occurred after federal departments already had begun spending their expected allowances, the mandatory budget cuts are forcing tough mid-year adjustments, including spending freezes, elimination of overtime, furloughs and layoffs. Fallout from the cuts could begin this month. It is widely expected that U.S. elected officials eventually will step in to end the disruptive spending cuts, but whether that move will come in weeks or months is unknown.Delays
How will my business travel programs and travelers be affected?
Cuts to three agencies in particular affect business travel programs: the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). We believe that the cuts to screening staff will create longer waiting times in airport security lines; cuts to Customs staff will increase the time for clearing Customs; and cuts to the FAA’s air traffic control staff will increase the time between takeoffs and landings.
What can travel managers and travelers do?
First, arm yourself with information. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will spare frustration. CBP provides online information on airport wait times and tips for clearing Customs. The TSA provides a similar service for security screening wait times and travel alerts and tips. The Federal Aviation Administration provides online flight delay information. Next, make sure you build enough time into travel schedules to overcome delays. Allow extra time between connecting flights and to clear Customs.
What is BCD Travel doing to assist?
We continue to closely monitor political developments related to U.S. sequestration and will provide updates as they become available. As the situation evolves, we are:
- Educating our travel consultants on the most delay-prone airports and travel times so they can assist travelers in selecting less-affected flights
- Giving consultants access to additional tools so they can provide travelers with the most up-to-date information
- Working with our airline partners to create contingency plans
- Placing custom messaging on our online booking tools to advise travelers to research flight times and airport wait times
Want to know more about how BCD Travel can help you manage when travel plans go awry? Talk to your account manager about our Planning & En Route Services solution line.