Travel Companies Warn of Thanksgiving Travel Chaos
Travel companies are urging lawmakers to end the government shutdown to prevent severe disruptions during the Thanksgiving travel period. The US Travel Association sent a letter to congressional leaders on Monday highlighting the risks if the shutdown continues.
Impact of the Shutdown on Travel
The letter warns that with Thanksgiving—the busiest travel time of the year—fast approaching, a prolonged shutdown will have immediate and widespread negative effects on millions of American travelers and local economies nationwide.
"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 travelers, and economically devastating to communities in every state."
Signatories and Economic Losses
Over 500 travel companies and groups signed the letter, which was addressed to leaders of both congressional chambers. The letter states that the travel industry in the United States has already suffered $4 billion in losses due to the shutdown.
It also warns billions more could be lost if the government remains closed through the Thanksgiving holiday.
Key Travel Dates
- Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving
- Sunday after Thanksgiving
These days are typically among the busiest for travel nationwide, underscoring the urgency to resolve the funding lapse swiftly.
Author’s summary: Travel companies emphasize that the ongoing shutdown threatens to cause unprecedented chaos and billions in losses during the critical Thanksgiving travel season.