Trip ins

What’s your question?

I wouldn't cancel, but I'd take some extra precautions if possible. For example, build in an extra day buffer en route in case your flight is cancelled; do carry-on only, or carry a change of clothes in case your checked bag goes missing; allow extra time at the airport in case TSA is backed up.

There is no gov shutdown in France ;-)

Hi Windyram

We have to worry about our airports in the USA. They are short staffed to begin with and now with our government shutdown, the situation worsens. Ground stops throughout the USA daily. Cancellations and delays.

We do not know if we can get out and once out, can we get back in.

Get some very good flight and trip insurance.

Yes, I know Phil. The greatest threat is some USA air control towers are shutdown / run with lower number of staff.
I was just a little surprised to find it in the 'France' section as it really isn't related to this country ;-).
I hope the impact for you guys won't get worse and a solution will be found quickly.

There is already this thread https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/transportation/traveling-during-a-government-shutdown#bottom

The OP must be used to texting where abbreviations are useful. Less so on the forum.
I think the question is, "I'm going on a trip to France November 21 and the government shutdown has me wondering if I should buy trip insurance, and if so, what kind?"

.... Get some very good flight and trip insurance. ..... This can be a touchy area. Make sure the policy covers government actions. Some policies will not cover bankruptcies (does apply here) and action taken by government agencies. The fine print is critical. Make no assumption as to what is covered.

I'm not sensing that the OP is asking about trip insurance. More like if they can expect to encounter massive delays and cancellations. The answer to that that is anyone's best guess. Then again, if it's insurance they're wondering about, good advice from Frank.

And still then again, you may not be able to cancel your flights and hotels without penalty depending on what you booked (e.g. non-refundable vs refundable up to a certain date.)

Assuming you're inquiring about travel insurance, maybe this link from SquareMouth will be helpful.

Travel insurance during a government shutdown

As always, read the policy to see exactly what is and isn't included in your specific plan.

Frank and jeanm’s link to the Squaremouth article agree that traveler’s insurance is not going to cover trip delays or cancellations due to the US government shutdown if you buy the policy now.

The reason is that insurance policies exclude conditions known at the time the policy was bought. The policy costs were determined before the risk levels rose.

It’s the same for travel delays and trip interruption due to transportation strikes. If the strike was officially announced BEFORE the policy was purchased, insurers will not cover trip delays/cancellations caused by the strike.

It is probably too late to buy insurance that would cover this. And insurance companies are very good about exempting themselves from big events like this. I have an annual policy but I am not sure it would cover this -- insurance companies hire a lot of people to deny coverage. It is likely to be considered a 'force majeure ' exception or an 'acts of government' exception. Insurance policies are full of these caveats.