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

The U.S. Travel Association cautioned that the ongoing government shutdown could bring widespread disruption to Thanksgiving travel if not resolved soon. Nearly 500 organizations and companies across the travel industry have joined the Association in urging Congress to act immediately to reopen the government before the holiday rush.

“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.

Thousands of federal employees, such as air traffic controllers and TSA officers, continue to work without pay, compounding delays and cancellations for passengers nationwide. The Association’s statement highlights the essential role Thanksgiving travel plays in the national economy.

Economic Impact of Thanksgiving Travel

Last year, more than 20 million passengers traveled by air during Thanksgiving week. Their spending generated billions of dollars, making it one of the busiest and most financially significant travel periods in the United States. The influx of travelers supports tourism, small businesses, jobs, and tax revenues across all states.

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

Industry’s Call to Action

Reopen the government before the Thanksgiving travel peak.
Ensure stable working conditions for federal aviation and security staff.
Restore traveler confidence in the reliability of U.S. air travel.

Author’s summary: The U.S. Travel Association warns that continued government shutdown threatens to cause Thanksgiving travel chaos, urging Congress to act swiftly to avoid major national economic losses.

U.S. Travel Association — 2025-11-04