Travel industry warns of ‘chaos’ if shutdown doesn’t end before Thanksgiving

Hundreds of tourism and travel industry groups are warning those planning to fly this Thanksgiving holiday that if the government shutdown doesn’t end before the holiday arrives, travelers could face higher costs and increased wait times, delays and cancellations that could derail family travel plans across the country.

Meanwhile, the groups, which collectively fall under the banner of the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group representing the U.S. travel industry, also warned in a letter to leaders in Congress of long-term economic impacts that could harm American workers, businesses and the economy during the Thanksgiving holiday if the current government shutdown ends soon. The trade group estimates America’s travel economy has already lost $4 billion due to the shutdown.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Travel Association sent a letter to Senate leaders John Thune and Chuck Schumer, as well as their House counterparts Mike Johnson and Hakeem Jeffries, urging leaders to reach agreement and pass a “clean continuing resolution” that would reopen the government after the longest weeks-long shutdown in history. Democrats and Republicans are deadlocked over whether to approve increased tax credits for Obamacare during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The letter warned that the longer the government shutdown lasts, the more money the travel economy will lose, leading to negative economic impacts. In addition, the letter, signed by nearly 500 travel and tourism industry organisations, warned that the longer the closure lasts, the more pressure airports will face due to staff shortages, which could lead to major problems if it worsens further. “chaos” As families try to fly for the Thanksgiving holiday.

“During Thanksgiving week last year, more than 20 million travelers flew in the United States. Thanksgiving is not only a time for national tradition and family bonding, it is also one of the most economically significant travel weeks of the year. Travel spending during the holiday adds billions of dollars to economic activity, employment, local tax bases and small businesses across the country. A continued shutdown would likely significantly suppress travel demand and spending, posing a real threat to American workers, businesses and the overall economy,” the letter to congressional leaders said. he complained.

FAA’S MITIGATION PLAN IS EXPECTED TO IMPACT THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS AT 40 AIRPORTS

As the US government shutdown stretches into the longest period in recorded history, a sign is displayed at the entrance of the Capitol Visitor Center that reads: “US Capitol Visitor Center is closed due to funding cuts.” (Probal Rashid/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“The American people expect and deserve a fully functioning federal government during peak holiday travel,” the letter continued. “Congress must act without delay to pass a clean, continuing resolution to immediately reopen the government and ensure the resumption of all federal operations before the Thanksgiving travel period. The cost of continued inaction will be felt by families, workers, businesses, and communities across the country.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced this week that his agency would order a 10% cutback in flights at 40 major U.S. airports, citing air traffic controller shortages and safety concerns ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

In response to the directive, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said that while the decision demonstrates that safety is a top priority for the travel industry, it “will inevitably impact the travel experience, leading to fewer flights, longer delays and more disruption for travelers.”

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced this week that his agency would order a 10% cutback in flights at 40 major U.S. airports, citing air traffic controller shortages and safety concerns ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. (Photos: AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr. and Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

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“All government shutdowns are irresponsible, and this decision underscores the urgent need to reopen the government,” Freeman added. “The shutdown puts unnecessary pressure on the system, forcing difficult operational decisions that disrupt travel and undermine confidence in the U.S. air travel experience. The fault for this situation lies squarely at the feet of Congress.”