As the specter of a U.S. government shutdown looms, travelers are being warned to prepare for significant disruptions. With Congress facing a critical deadline, failure to reach an agreement could trigger a shutdown, creating a ripple effect of delays and inconveniences across the travel industry, especially as the busy holiday season approaches. The U.S. travel economy stands to lose an estimated $1 billion per week during a shutdown, impacting not only travelers but also businesses and federal employees nationwide. Past government shutdowns during holiday periods have cost the U.S. economy billions, setting a concerning precedent.
Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, emphasizes the potential chaos: “A prolonged government shutdown threatens holiday travel disruptions that Americans won’t tolerate. It’s difficult to understand how any member of Congress could benefit from forcing essential workers, such as TSA officers and air traffic controllers, to work without pay during peak travel times.”
survey by Ipsos
A recent survey conducted by Ipsos reveals the widespread apprehension among travelers:
- A significant 60% of Americans indicated they would reconsider their travel plans if a government shutdown were to occur. Many are contemplating flight cancellations or avoiding air travel altogether to sidestep potential disruptions.
- The survey highlights that both political parties would be held accountable for the economic fallout and the frustrations experienced by travelers due to a shutdown.
- An overwhelming 81% of Americans recognize the detrimental impact of government shutdowns on the economy, and 86% acknowledge the inconvenience caused to air travelers specifically.
- The negative consequences extend to travel-dependent businesses and tourist destinations, with 83% of respondents believing shutdowns adversely affect national parks, museums, local businesses, and the broader travel industry.
- There is a strong bipartisan consensus, with nearly 9 out of 10 Americans (88%) urging bipartisan cooperation in Congress to avert a shutdown. Furthermore, 69% of voters stated they would be less inclined to support a member of Congress who supported a government shutdown.
Adding to the economic concerns, the potential failure of Congress to approve disaster relief funding poses another threat to the travel sector. Destinations still recovering from recent natural disasters could face substantial delays in their recovery efforts if funding is withheld.
Freeman warns, “Research indicates that delaying disaster relief funding until 2025 could prolong recovery timelines into 2026 or beyond. Americans in affected regions deserve better from their elected officials. It is unconscionable for Congress to adjourn for the holidays while neglecting communities devastated by disasters.”
Typically, the travel industry requires 10 to 27 months to fully recover from major disasters, contingent on the extent of the damage. Without immediate emergency relief funding, areas severely impacted, such as North Carolina and Tennessee, could see their recovery timelines stretch well into 2026 or even longer.
“Time is of the essence, and the American people cannot endure further delays in recovery,” Freeman concludes. “The urgency of passing a disaster relief bill is evident, not only for the economic well-being of affected states but also for the livelihoods of millions of Americans who rely on travel-related industries.”
It is imperative that Congress acts swiftly to prevent the dual crises of a government shutdown and delayed disaster relief funding, safeguarding both travelers and the broader economy.
