U.S. Travel Warns of Thanksgiving Travel Chaos if Government Shutdown Continues
The U.S. Travel Association, alongside nearly 500 organizations across the travel industry, has urged Congress to end the government shutdown immediately before the Thanksgiving travel surge.
“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.
Impact of the Shutdown on Travel
Thousands of federal workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, remain on duty without pay, causing ongoing delays and cancellations for travelers nationwide.
Economic Importance of Thanksgiving Travel
- Last Thanksgiving week, over 20 million passengers flew, contributing billions of dollars to the economy.
- This period is one of the busiest and most economically vital times for travel annually.
- Travel during Thanksgiving supports jobs, small businesses, and tax revenue nationwide.
“Thanksgiving should be about spending time with family, not worrying about flight disruptions or canceled plans,” Freeman added.
The government shutdown threatens both the safety and efficiency of air travel during one of the most critical travel seasons in the U.S., with significant consequences for families and the economy.
Author's summary: The ongoing government shutdown risks severe disruptions and economic losses during peak Thanksgiving travel, urging urgent Congressional action.