A perfect storm of severe weather, cartel violence in Mexico, and TSA issues is causing significant disruptions to air travel in the US, with nearly 9,000 flights canceled in two days.
If you’re taking a flight in the US this week, get ready for a triple threat of disruption. A huge winter storm, cartel violence in Mexico, and TSA troubles are all causing issues.
- A huge winter storm is pummeling the northeast, causing nearly 9,000 flights to be canceled in two days.
- Cartel violence in Mexico has erupted, causing flights to be canceled and tourists to be advised to shelter in place.
- TSA troubles, including the suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, are causing delays and confusion at airport security.
Weather, violence, and political quarrelling have combined to make a real headache for American travelers this week. The vast majority of those flights came as a winter storm pummeled the northeast.
New York City Mayor declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban. It was also the city’s first blizzard warning for nine years. By 7 a.m., at least 15 inches of snow had fallen at each of the three major airports serving the city, the National Weather Service said.
Cartel Violence Hits Flights
Meanwhile, anybody hoping to find some winter sun in Mexico may have had their hopes dashed. Cartel violence erupted in parts of the country on Sunday after its military killed “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel.
Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco, is a particularly popular destination for US and Canadian tourists. Cars and stores were set on fire there, while airlines canceled 139 flights in and out of the resort town.
TSA Troubles Persist
If your flight isn’t canceled this week, it’s possible that getting to your gate could be more difficult than normal. The partial government shutdown is also causing delays and confusion at airport security.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry would be suspended starting Sunday morning. However, the Transportation Security Administration then said PreCheck — which lets travelers move through security faster — would actually still be available.
Los Angeles International Airport had posted on social media that it was diverting all PreCheck customers to general screening lanes, but later removed the post. Global Entry, which speeds up customs screening for fliers entering the US, is still suspended.
The shutdown looks set to last longer still. Republicans want an extra $64.4 billion in funding for DHS — including $10 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But Democrats want reforms in the wake of the turmoil in Minneapolis, as two people there were killed by ICE last month.
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