Thanksgiving Travel Chaos: Government Shutdown Threatens Record-Breaking Holiday Season

The possibility of a government shutdown on November 18th could disrupt Thanksgiving travel plans, with around 4.7 million people expected to fly during the busy holiday season. If Congress fails to reach a funding deal, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and federal air traffic controllers would have to work without pay. During the last shutdown in 2019, many TSA workers called in sick, causing delays and longer wait times at airports. A shutdown could lead to longer screening times, flight delays, and cancellations, as well as have a significant economic impact on the travel industry, costing up to $140 million per day. Travel industry officials are urging policymakers to avoid a shutdown and support continued, safe, and efficient airport operations.