DENVER — Denver International Airport faces its final and busiest spring break travel surge this Sunday as travelers return home.
As the spring travel period ends, federal leaders are warning of escalating airport delays, and ICE is now being sent in to help amid deepening TSA staffing shortages.
AAA Colorado says other challenges, like rising oil prices due to the war in Iran, will continue to push airfare higher.
“If we look from before, when that conflict started, to today, West Texas Intermediate, which is a good benchmark for crude oil, has increased by about $30 per barrel. That's significant and getting priced in,” said Skyler McKinley, AAA regional director of public affairs.
McKinley stressed the importance of crude oil to the global economy.
“As crude oil gets more expensive, everything gets more expensive. We see that at the pump as motorists, and that's a pretty straight connection. We're going to see it in airfare as a function of jet fuel being downstream from crude oil,” said McKinley.
McKinley expects continued price increases due to current conflicts.
“In the near term, if we are in a conflict in an oil-producing region, it will increase costs,” said McKinley.
He has a tip for those looking to travel later this year but who have not yet bought airline tickets.
“If you think you want to travel over the summer period or the year-end holidays, there's some savings to be had if you book now. Airlines are starting to price in the uncertainty in oil markets, but not fully,” said McKinley.
The partial government shutdown is directly leading to longer security wait times at certain airports.
As the shutdown continues, more TSA workers are calling out because they are working without pay, reducing available staff during peak hours and causing additional delays for travelers.
“There are going to be pressure points across the system. That might mean longer lines. It might mean fewer non-essential services. It's not always a nightmare, but there are pressure points as a function of the pressures being put on these hard-working public servants,” said McKinley.
McKinley recommends booking the first flight of the day to reduce stress amid an uncertain travel economy.
“It’s statistically much less prone to rolling delays, which makes the whole process more straightforward. Aim for nonstop flights whenever you can. We're well served with nonstop flights out of Denver International Airport,” said McKinley.
He also adds to arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
“Especially during peak morning and late afternoon windows, and if you can avoid traveling during those peaks, to the extent it's workable for your schedule, you're likely to have shorter lines,” said McKinley.
Meanwhile, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that travel delays from the ongoing shutdown are likely “going to get much worse” if Congress does not authorize funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA, Secret Service, and Coast Guard.
The political stalemate over federal immigration enforcement continues, with both parties at an impasse.
Additionally, U.S. border czar Tom Homan said Sunday that he has been tasked with deploying ICE agents to U.S. airports as TSA continues to struggle with staffing shortages.
