Geopolitical tensions, airport disruptions, rising airfare costs, and long TSA lines have made traveling in 2026 more complicated. Some keys to a safe and successful trip are to stay informed, plan ahead, and remain flexible.
Geopolitical tensions
One of the biggest factors shaping travel is global instability. Political unrest, military conflict, and security concerns in different regions can affect how and where people travel. Even travelers who are not going to high-risk destinations may still feel the effects through higher prices, airspace closures, and airline disruptions.
The U.S. Department of State issues Travel Advisories for U.S. citizens traveling to other countries to warn about specific risks such as conflict, crime, civil unrest, terrorism, and local safety concerns. In addition to country-specific advisories, the U.S. Department of State recently issued a new worldwide advisory amid rising tensions around the globe. The advisory warns U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling abroad, especially in the Middle East.1 While these advisories don’t necessarily mean that travelers need to cancel a planned trip abroad, they do allow individuals to make informed decisions and prepare for potential disruptions.
Before traveling internationally:
- Review U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories for the country or countries you are planning to visit
- Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and emergency updates
- Make copies of important documents, such as passports, travel itineraries, and insurance information
- Be prepared for possible route or schedule changes
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State website at travel.state.gov.
Airport disruptions
Severe weather, air traffic congestion, staffing shortages, mechanical issues, and technology outages are just some of the factors that have caused airport disruptions and led to lengthy delays for U.S. travelers. To help better handle airport disruptions:
- Plan to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights
- Avoid short layovers, especially at large or busy airports
- Choose nonstop flights when possible
- Sign up for airline text or app alerts in order to stay up to date on your flight status
- Pack essentials in your carry-on (e.g., medications, change of clothes)
Rising airfare costs
Higher fuel costs, strong demand, and airline fees continue to make air travel more expensive. To help manage costs, consider the following:
- Book flights early, especially for holiday or summer travel
- Be flexible with travel dates — consider traveling midweek or during off-peak periods
- Compare nearby airports for better fares
- Sign up for fare alerts to track price changes
- Watch out for extra fees (e.g., baggage and seat selection)
Long TSA lines
Long TSA lines continue to be a major part of the travel experience in the United States. At many airports, especially larger ones, TSA lines can become lengthy with little warning, especially on peak travel days and holiday periods. For the latest TSA updates, visit tsa.gov and download the MyTSA App to your mobile device, which provides tips, current security wait times, delay information, historical data on how busy the airport is likely to be, and live assistance. Some airport and airline websites also post current security line wait times.
To help make airport security screening a little easier:
- Arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for lengthy TSA lines
- Make sure that you have a REAL ID or other TSA-accepted identification, or use TSA ConfirmID to verify your identity
- Have your identification and boarding pass readily available
- Pack carefully (e.g., no liquids) and dress appropriately in easy-to-remove clothing to help mitigate screening delays
- Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if you travel often
If you have questions, contact the Experts at Henssler Financial:
- Experts Request Form
- Email: experts@henssler.com
- Phone: 770-429-9166
1) U.S. Department of State, 2026
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