Tampa, Fla. – This past weekend, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a partial shutdown of operations as a result of a funds dispute currently within Congress.

The partial shutdown means the FAA will not collect the roughly $200 million received each week from airline ticket taxes. In addition to a lack of federal ticket taxes, some $2.5 billion in airport construction projects have come to a halt.

For example, a passenger pays approximately $61 in total taxes for a $300 round-trip ticket. As a result of the partial shutdown, passengers only have to pay half the taxes, a savings of roughly $30. While some airlines will allow customers to take advantage of the tax break, others have increased fares following the shutdown.

When it comes to air saftey, the Obama Adminitsration has said the partial shutdown will not imapct secuirty in the skies. Air traffic controllers and security personnel will remain at full staff through the partial shutdown. However, 4,000 FAA employees, behind the scenes, are being asked to not report to work and will not receive pay.

“When it comes to the day-to-day function at airports across the country, the everyday traveler won’t notice any difference,” said Janet Stevens, manager, AAA Travel Agent Services. “The Department of Transportation said the partial shutdown will not lead to airline cancellations or delays.”

Airlines Raising Prices:
American    
United    
Continental   
Delta    
US Airways   
Southwest*       
AirTran*  

Airlines Not Raising Ticket Prices:
Alaska Airlines
Virgin America
Spirit
Hawaiian Airlines
Frontier

AAA Auto Club South is the fourth largest affiliate of AAA and serves more than 4.1 million members in Florida, Georgia, Middle/West Tennessee, and Puerto Rico. Since its founding in 1938, AAA Auto Club South has worked to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve travel safety.