The U.S. Travel Association, joined by nearly 500 tourism organizations and companies, is warning that the ongoing government shutdown could create major disruptions for Thanksgiving travelers. The coalition cautioned that continued federal closures may lead to longer lines, delays, and cancellations during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
In a letter to congressional leaders on Monday, the group urged lawmakers to pass a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government before the holiday. They highlighted that federal workers, including TSA officers and air traffic controllers, are working without pay, fueling staffing shortages that could disrupt flights and overwhelm airports. The coalition includes major industry groups such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Cruise Lines International Association, and American Gaming Association, along with regional tourism boards across the country.
The letter estimated that the shutdown has already cost the U.S. travel economy roughly $4 billion, with 60% of Americans reconsidering travel plans amid the uncertainty. Last year, about 20 million passengers flew during Thanksgiving week, and a similar surge this year could strain systems already under pressure.
“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, president and CEO of U.S. Travel. “Thanksgiving should be about spending time with family, not worrying about flight disruptions or canceled plans. The damage from this shutdown is growing by the hour.”
Airlines, airports, and federal agencies are bracing for record crowds, but without swift action from Congress, travelers may face a holiday season defined by frustration, long wait times, and canceled trips.
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