U.S. Travel Warns of Thanksgiving Travel Chaos if Government Shutdown Continues
The U.S. Travel Association, alongside nearly 500 organizations from across the travel industry, has urged Congress to reopen the government before the Thanksgiving travel period. Thousands of federal workers, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents, remain unpaid, resulting in ongoing travel delays and cancellations.
“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.
Thanksgiving travel is vital to the U.S. economy. Last year, over 20 million passengers flew during Thanksgiving week, generating billions in spending and supporting jobs, small businesses, and tax revenues nationwide.
“Thanksgiving should be about spending time with family, not worrying about flight disruptions or canceled plans,” Freeman added.
The coalition's letter stresses that without government reopening, the economic impact and traveler frustration will escalate during one of the busiest travel seasons.
Author's summary: The government shutdown threatens major disruptions and economic losses during Thanksgiving travel, urging urgent Congressional action to avoid worsening delays and cancellations nationwide.