US Faces Thanksgiving Travel Crisis Amid Government Shutdown
Nearly 500 organizations and companies across the US travel industry have urged Washington to end the government shutdown before the busy Thanksgiving travel period. They warn of a potential “Thanksgiving travel crisis” if essential government departments remain closed.
Thousands of federal employees, including air traffic controllers and TSA officers, are currently working without pay, causing ongoing travel delays and cancellations nationwide.
Economic Impact on US Travel
The US Travel Association, leading the advocacy effort, reports that the shutdown has already cost the travel economy over $4 billion. These losses continue to accumulate daily.
Impact on Travelers
Last year, more than 20 million passengers flew in the US during Thanksgiving week. However, the shutdown has led 60% of Americans to reconsider their travel plans for the November 27 holiday.
“With Thanksgiving, the busiest travel period of the year, imminently approaching, the consequences of a continued shutdown will be immediate, deeply felt by millions of American travellers, and economically devastating to communities in every state.”
Coalition Effort
The coalition lobbying to reopen the government includes a broad range of organizations from across the travel sector nationwide.
Author’s summary: The ongoing government shutdown threatens a major travel disruption and significant economic losses during the critical Thanksgiving period in the US.