U.S. Travel Warns of Thanksgiving Travel Chaos if Government Shutdown Continues

U.S. Travel Warns of Thanksgiving Travel Disruptions Amid Government Shutdown

The U.S. Travel Association, supported by nearly 500 organizations from the travel industry, has urged Congress to take immediate steps to reopen the government ahead of the Thanksgiving travel surge.

“Air travel’s number one priority is safety and while safety will be maintained, travelers will pay a heavy and completely unnecessary price in terms of delays, cancellations and lost confidence in the air travel experience,” said Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO.

Impact on Federal Employees and Travelers

Thousands of federal workers, such as air traffic controllers and TSA officers, are currently working without pay. This situation is leading to ongoing delays and flight cancellations that disrupt millions of travelers.

Economic Significance of Thanksgiving Travel

Thanksgiving travel is vital to the U.S. economy. Last year, over 20 million passengers flew during Thanksgiving week, generating billions in spending. This period is one of the busiest and most economically important times for the travel sector.

“Thanksgiving should be about spending time with family, not worrying about flight disruptions or canceled plans,” Freeman added.

The coalition’s letter highlights the urgent need to resolve the shutdown to prevent further harm to travelers and the broader economy.

Summary: The ongoing government shutdown threatens severe Thanksgiving travel delays and economic losses, urging swift action to restore operations and protect travelers' holiday plans.

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U.S. Travel Association U.S. Travel Association — 2025-11-04

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