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

The U.S. Travel Association, alongside nearly 500 organizations and companies from every sector of the travel industry, has urged congressional leaders to take immediate action to reopen the government before the Thanksgiving travel rush.

Thousands of federal workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, are working without pay. Meanwhile, travelers continue to experience significant delays and cancellations.

Impact on Thanksgiving Travel

Thanksgiving travel is a critical period for the American economy. Last year, over 20 million passengers flew during Thanksgiving week, generating billions of dollars in spending. This travel season supports jobs, small businesses, and tax revenues in every state.

“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, cancelations and lost confidence in the air travel experience,” said Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO.

Freeman emphasized the personal side of the issue:

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

Summary

The government shutdown threatens to cause severe disruptions during one of the busiest travel periods, affecting millions of passengers and the broader economy.

Author's Summary

The ongoing government shutdown risks unprecedented holiday travel chaos, threatening billions in economic activity and straining millions of travelers and federal workers alike.

U.S. Travel Association — 2025-11-04