Thanksgiving Travel Disruptions Rise After U.S. Shutdown Impacts Air Travel

Thanksgiving travel disruptions across the United States is facing significant challenges this year as airlines, airports, and federal agencies recover from the effects of a 43-day government shutdown that strained aviation operations nationwide. According to Cirium, domestic flight bookings are down 4.5% compared with last year, a notable shift for what is historically one of the busiest travel periods of the year. While passenger confidence is slowly returning, the lingering effects of staffing shortages, scheduling disruptions, and reduced operational capacity are reshaping how Americans move during the holiday rush.

Although overall bookings have dipped, airlines such as United Airlines and American Airlines say they are still preparing for heavy Thanksgiving demand. United, in particular, expects a strong turnout at its Houston hub, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where it anticipates welcoming 1.3 million travelers over the holiday period. “We know this is a critical travel week for families, especially after weeks of delays and uncertainty,” said Andy Jamison, United’s managing director of customer service. “Our teams have been working around the clock to stabilize the operation and make sure travelers have as smooth an experience as possible.”

Jamison noted that the shutdown created a ripple effect that continues to influence staffing availability, aircraft positioning, and turnaround times. He emphasized the importance of early arrival and traveler preparedness. “Give yourself extra time, use the airline app, and keep an eye on notifications,” he said. “Small steps make a big difference, especially this year.”

While air travel demand shows signs of softening, other modes of transportation are experiencing a holiday surge. Wanderu reports a 17% increase in bus and train bookings over last year, suggesting that many travelers are opting for alternatives due to concerns about delays, cancellations, and airport congestion. According to the company, searches for intercity bus routes have climbed significantly since mid-November, with many passengers citing cost savings and reliability as key decision factors.

Despite the operational challenges, the Transportation Security Administration is preparing for what could be its busiest Thanksgiving season ever. TSA expects to screen a record 17.8 million passengers between Monday and December 2, including more than 3 million on Sunday alone. “We are projecting that the Sunday after Thanksgiving will be one of the busiest travel days in TSA history,” said TSA spokesperson Adam Stahl. “Our officers are fully staffed, and we are prepared to manage the surge. But we urge travelers to be patient and follow security guidelines closely.”

Stahl added that the agency has deployed additional canine teams, screening officers, and advanced technology at major airports to help expedite the process. “We know travelers have experienced a lot of frustration in recent weeks,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure every passenger gets to their destination safely and with as little stress as possible.”

Despite the uncertainty heading into the holiday week, airlines and federal agencies say they are committed to restoring stability and reliability. For passengers, experts recommend booking flexible tickets, arriving early, and monitoring travel advisories closely. As the industry works to rebound from the shutdown’s long shadow, the 2025 Thanksgiving travel season is shaping up to be a revealing test of system resilience—and of traveler patience.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com

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Thanksgiving Travel Disruptions Rise After U.S. Shutdown Impacts Air Travel

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