Government Shutdown Clouds Thanksgiving Travel Plans

The looming federal shutdown has turned the holiday travel season into a source of anxiety for millions of Americans hoping to fly home for Thanksgiving. With the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) already operating on a skeletal staff, airlines are scrambling to adjust schedules, and passengers are confronting a wave of cancellations, delays, and rising ticket prices.Air traffic control on thin iceThe FAA’s workforce has been reduced to roughly 70 % of its normal complement, a situation that has already forced the agency to limit the number of flights it can safely manage. In recent weeks, the agency announced temporary caps on departures from several busy hubs, including Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta. Those limits have translated into longer hold times on the tarmac, increased reroutes, and a growing backlog of aircraft waiting for clearance.“Every minute we spend on the ground is a minute we’re not getting paid for, and it’s hurting both the airlines and the passengers,” said Mark Davis, a senior air traffic controller based at the Chicago Center. “If the shutdown drags on, we’ll have to cut back even further, which could mean more grounded planes and even fewer options for travelers.”Airlines respond with cancellations and price hikesMajor carriers have already begun trimming their holiday schedules. United Airlines announced the cancellation of 200 flights scheduled between November 20 and November 28, citing “operational constraints linked to staffing shortages at the FAA.” American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have issued similar statements, warning that their “flight availability may be reduced” and urging passengers to book early or consider alternative travel dates.Ticket prices have risen sharply in the wake of the uncertainty. A study by travel data firm Hopper showed that average round‑trip fares from New York to Dallas have jumped 12 % since the start of the shutdown, while flights from Los Angeles to Chicago are up 15 % compared to the same period last year.Travelers weigh alternativesThe uncertainty is prompting many would‑be flyers to explore other modes of transportation. Amtrak reported a 22 % increase in reservations for routes that connect major East Coast cities to the Midwest, and bus operators such as Greyhound and Megabus have seen a surge in bookings for long‑distance routes traditionally dominated by airlines.“I was planning to fly to my family in Ohio, but with all the cancellations and the fear of being stuck at the airport, I’m looking at taking the train instead,” said Sarah Patel, a Chicago resident who has already booked a Amtrak ticket for Thanksgiving Day.Industry experts warn of a ripple effectAviation analysts caution that the impact of the shutdown could extend beyond the holiday period. “If the FAA cannot maintain normal service levels, airlines may have to re‑evaluate their entire winter schedule,” said James Liu, a senior analyst at aviation consultancy AirInsights. “That could mean fewer flights not just for Thanksgiving, but well into January and February, affecting both business and leisure travel.”Calls for swift resolutionConsumer advocacy groups are urging Congress to prioritize a quick resolution to the funding impasse. “The American people shouldn’t have to choose between a government shutdown and getting home for the holidays,” said Karen Mitchell, director of the Travelers’ Rights Coalition. “A prompt agreement would restore confidence in the aviation system and protect the economic health of airlines and the broader travel industry.”As the deadline for the federal budget approaches, travelers are left monitoring airline websites and news updates closely, hoping that a timely political solution will clear the skies for Thanksgiving. In the meantime, those with flexible schedules are advised to book early, consider alternative routes, and stay prepared for possible disruptions.