Urgent travel warning to those flying out of U.S. airport as a result of Trump layoffs

The airport has recently been plagued with staffing shortages that are causing longer wait times. It comes from layoffs prompted by Trump

Hawaii Coronavirus Traveler Testing program

Those traveling out of Honolulu should make sure to give enough time for possible airport delays (Image: Getty)

Those coming home from vacation in Honolulu, Hawaii, should make sure to give enough time for possible airport delays.

The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (NHL) has recently been plagued with staffing shortages that are causing longer wait times. State transportation authorities have advised travelers to budget extra time before their flight for bag inspection at the U.S. Department of Agriculture stations.

This comes after 12 inspectors lost their jobs as a part of the Trump administration's mass layoffs, Hawaii News Now reported. Only a certain number of baggage inspection areas will be open. 

Passengers traveling from Hawaii to the continental US must have their baggage checked by the USDA to restrict the transportation of plants, insects and hazardous plant diseases.

As of Sunday, Lobby 7 has just one agricultural inspection station open after 8 a.m., as does Lobby 8.

Kahului Airport

This comes after 12 inspectors lost their jobs as a part of the Trump administration's mass layoffs (Image: Getty)

In Lobby 7, the station in front of the American Airlines check-in counters will open from 5 to 8 a.m. only. The Lobby 8 station in front of the ANA counters will be closed until further notice.

The inspection station in Lobby 5 will open at 8:55 a.m., which is when Alaska Airlines opens its check-in counter. All other USDA inspection stations will open at 5 a.m.

DON'T MISS

Whether you’re traveling from Hawaii or not, there’s another travel restriction that should be on your radar for 2025. Starting in May, people must have a Real ID or a passport to travel domestically or enter government buildings.

Before this new rule, a Driver's license and state ID were acceptable forms of identification. This new identification mandate was set to be rolled out years ago, but enforcement was continually postponed.