A 43-day U.S. government shutdown has taken the shine off what was expected to be the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years. Cirium booking data show domestic flight reservations for the five-day holiday window are down 4.5 percent year-over-year, reversing earlier projections of a 2 percent rise. The biggest dip followed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directives that airlines trim schedules at 40 major airports to cope with staffing shortfalls.
Despite the slump, United and American Airlines still predict their highest Thanksgiving passenger volumes ever, while Southwest and Delta cite forecasting challenges. Amtrak and inter-city bus operators report double-digit demand increases as travelers hedge against potential flight delays.
![Government Shutdown Dampens Record-Setting Thanksgiving Air-Travel Forecast]()
For corporate travel managers, the mixed signals mean contingency planning is paramount: diversify approved carriers, monitor real-time FAA traffic-management initiatives, and remind employees to pad schedules for potential disruptions. The shutdown also highlights the vulnerability of TSA and CBP staffing to funding lapses, factors that mobility programs should incorporate into future holiday-travel risk assessments.
The FAA insists it has a “great plan” for the holiday rush, but weather and residual staffing constraints could still snarl operations. Travelers transiting major hubs such as Atlanta and Newark should expect longer security queues and be prepared for last-minute re-routing.
Despite the slump, United and American Airlines still predict their highest Thanksgiving passenger volumes ever, while Southwest and Delta cite forecasting challenges. Amtrak and inter-city bus operators report double-digit demand increases as travelers hedge against potential flight delays.
For corporate travel managers, the mixed signals mean contingency planning is paramount: diversify approved carriers, monitor real-time FAA traffic-management initiatives, and remind employees to pad schedules for potential disruptions. The shutdown also highlights the vulnerability of TSA and CBP staffing to funding lapses, factors that mobility programs should incorporate into future holiday-travel risk assessments.
The FAA insists it has a “great plan” for the holiday rush, but weather and residual staffing constraints could still snarl operations. Travelers transiting major hubs such as Atlanta and Newark should expect longer security queues and be prepared for last-minute re-routing.
