Nearly 500 travel destinations, hotels, and organizations are calling on Congress to end the government shutdown as Thanksgiving approaches. The U.S. Travel Association and various sectors of the travel industry warn that continued government inactivity could lead to severe economic repercussions for communities across the nation.
In a recent letter to congressional leadership, industry representatives highlighted that Thanksgiving marks the peak travel season, and any further delay in government operations will be felt swiftly and intensely by millions of American travelers. They emphasized that the economic impact of the shutdown has already exceeded $4 billion, putting immense pressure on essential federal personnel who facilitate travel operations. This includes Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers, many of whom are working without pay.
As staffing shortages become more pronounced, travelers may experience longer airport wait times and an increase in flight delays and cancellations—threatening family travel plans nationwide. Last year alone, over 20 million passengers flew in the U.S. during the Thanksgiving week, underscoring its importance as a critical travel period.
Travel spending during the Thanksgiving holiday is vital, generating billions of dollars in economic activity. A prolonged shutdown may lead to a notable decline in travel demand and spending, posing significant risks to American jobs, small businesses, and the broader economy.
Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, cautioned that if the shutdown extends into the holiday season, travelers could face significant inconveniences such as delays and cancellations. He asserted, "Thanksgiving should be about spending time with family, not worrying about flight disruptions or canceled plans." A recent survey indicated that 60% of Americans would contemplate canceling or avoiding air travel during a shutdown until the government is fully operational.
The urgency is clear: Congress needs to act. The quickest way to restore public confidence and rejuvenate the travel sector is to pass a straightforward continuing resolution that would reopen the government. Failure to do so risks not only travel disruptions but also broader economic challenges as the nation moves into one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
For further updates on travel impacts due to government operations and economic trends, keep an eye on industry reports and news outlets.
