Government Shutdown Risks Widespread Thanksgiving US Travel Disruptions

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now entering its fifth week, is severely impacting the travel industry as the busy Thanksgiving travel period approaches. A coalition of over 500 travel and tourism organizations, including the U.S. Travel Association, warns that the shutdown has already cost the travel economy more than $4 billion and threatens to cause unprecedented delays, cancellations, and staffing shortages at airports, with TSA officers and air traffic controllers working without pay. This disruption could suppress travel demand, endangering jobs, local businesses, and the overall economy, as 60% of Americans are reconsidering their travel plans amid uncertainty. Aviation experts caution that unpaid federal staff calling out sick could result in long security lines and possibly closed security lanes, escalating the chaos during one of the nation's busiest travel weeks. Despite these challenges, there is cautious optimism about a potential breakthrough in negotiations this week, though any continuing resolution may extend government funding only through January. The collective call from industry leaders is for Congress to act swiftly to reopen the government and restore full federal operations to prevent a devastating holiday travel meltdown.