U.S. Travel Warns of Thanksgiving Travel Chaos if Government Shutdown Continues
The U.S. Travel Association has issued a warning that a prolonged government shutdown could create major disruptions during the Thanksgiving travel period, traditionally one of the busiest weeks of the year.
“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.
Industry-Wide Appeal to Congress
In a letter dated November 3, 2025, the U.S. Travel Association—joined by nearly 500 organizations across the hospitality, airline, and tourism sectors—urged Congress to act swiftly to reopen the government before the Thanksgiving rush. The coalition emphasized the significant economic and social impact of maintaining smooth travel operations during the holiday season.
Impact on Workers and Travelers
Thousands of federal workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, are currently on duty without pay, leading to mounting stress across airports. Passengers are already facing increasing delays and flight cancellations, sparking concerns about efficiency and public trust in the travel system.
Economic and Social Significance of Thanksgiving Travel
Thanksgiving remains crucial to the nation’s economy. In 2024, over 20 million passengers flew during the holiday week, driving billions in spending that supported local jobs, small businesses, and tax revenues nationwide. The association’s statement highlights Thanksgiving as both a time of family connection and a cornerstone of America’s travel economy.
“Thanksgiving should be about spending time with family, not worrying about flight disruptions or canceled plans,” Freeman added.
Author’s Summary
The U.S. Travel Association urges swift government action to prevent massive Thanksgiving travel delays that could disrupt millions of Americans and harm the nation’s economy.