Title: Potential Government Shutdown Threatens Thanksgiving Travel Season, Worries Travel Industry
As November 18 approaches, the government faces the possibility of a shutdown that could have severe ramifications on the upcoming Thanksgiving travel season. Travel industry officials and advocates have voiced concerns about potential disruptions and delays in a busy period when around 4.7 million people are expected to fly over the five-day period surrounding Thanksgiving, according to AAA’s forecasts – the highest projection in almost two decades.
The primary worry stems from the impact on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers, who would be required to work without pay if the shutdown occurs. More than 50,000 TSA officers and 13,000 FAA air traffic controllers would be affected as long as the government remains unfunded.
Recalling the previous government shutdown in 2019, officials point out that many TSA officers called in sick, leading to increased wait times and travel delays. The absence of workers receiving their wages could result in longer security checkpoint lines and flight delays. Additionally, air traffic controller shortages, which the FAA has already been struggling with due to COVID-related training backlogs, could further exacerbate flight cancellations and delays.
A potential shutdown would not only disrupt travelers but also have a negative economic impact. The travel industry warns that it could cost the industry and the broader economy as much as $140 million per day, with the air travel sector alone facing a daily loss of approximately $36 billion. These losses would have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just airlines but also hotels, restaurants, and various tourist destinations.
Furthermore, the FAA’s critical efforts would experience setbacks, with hiring, training, and the implementation of necessary technology upgrades put on hold during a shutdown. With flight cancellations expected to rise, departure times could be significantly delayed if air traffic controllers decide to call out.
Travel advocates stress the unnecessary disruptions a government shutdown would cause during the peak travel season, both for travelers and the economy as a whole. They emphasize the importance of timely funding to ensure smooth travel operations and safeguard the financial stability of the travel industry.
As the November 18 deadline nears, all eyes are on the government to prevent a shutdown that could have damaging consequences for the Thanksgiving travel season and the broader travel industry.
