A record surge in Thanksgiving air travel had been projected across the United States, but the 43-day government shutdown sharply dampened demand as cancellations, delays, and uncertainty mounted. Many travelers, like 45-year-old Elizabeth Kelley, abandoned plans altogether, fearing they could be stranded amid FAA-mandated flight cuts at 40 major airports. AAA initially projected about 6 million domestic flyers—2% higher than 2024—but booking momentum reversed after the shutdown crossed the one-month mark.
Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows flight bookings for the five-day holiday period are down 4.48% year-on-year as of November 24. Airlines, including Southwest and Delta, cited unpredictable demand, though some carriers like United and American still expect record passenger volumes over extended travel windows. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford urged travelers to remain confident despite the disruptions, calling the week “our Super Bowl,” while acknowledging the potential for weather-related issues and crowded terminals.
With many travelers choosing to avoid major hubs—Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson expects 7.6% fewer passengers—rail and bus services are seeing a boost. Amtrak anticipates record ridership after last year’s 1.2 million bookings, and travel marketplace Wanderu reports a 17% rise in demand. Analysts warn that the shutdown’s ripple effects may extend into the Christmas season, with early bookings already trending slightly lower than last year.
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