U.S. Travel Warns of Thanksgiving Chaos if Government Shutdown Persists
The U.S. Travel Association cautioned that the ongoing government shutdown could spark major travel disruptions during the Thanksgiving holiday if not swiftly resolved.
“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.
In a press release on November 3, 2025, the association—joined by nearly 500 organizations and companies spanning every sector of the travel industry—urged congressional leaders to take immediate steps to reopen the government before the anticipated surge in Thanksgiving travel.
Currently, thousands of federal workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, are on duty without pay, while passengers endure mounting delays and flight cancellations.
Thanksgiving’s Economic Impact
The letter emphasized Thanksgiving’s vital role in the U.S. economy. The previous year saw over 20 million passengers traveling by air during that week, generating billions in consumer spending and marking it as one of the nation’s most crucial travel periods.
Beyond providing time for families to gather, Thanksgiving travel drives significant economic activity—supporting jobs, small businesses, and state tax revenues across the country.
“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 industry is urging Congress to end the government shutdown to prevent severe Thanksgiving travel disruptions and protect vital economic momentum.