Impact of a Government Shutdown on Travel

Yesterday, the U.S. Travel Association sent a letter to Congressional leadership underscoring the detrimental impact a government shutdown would have on the travel economy and traveling public.  

In the letter, President and CEO Geoff Freeman highlighted the dangers of a government shutdown.  
“A shutdown is a wholly preventable blow to America’s travel economy—costing $1 billion every week—and affecting millions of travelers and businesses while placing unnecessary strain on an already overextended federal travel workforce,” said Freeman.

According to Tourism Economics, the travel economy is at risk of losing $1 billion per week due to disruptions in air and rail travel, as well as the closure of national parks and museums.

A survey from Ipsos shows that a large majority of Americans believe a U.S. government shutdown will cause economic harm and disrupt air travel.  According to the survey: 

• 60% of Americans said they would cancel or avoid trips by air in the event of a shutdown.  
• 81% of Americans agree government shutdowns hurt the economy, and inconvenience air travelers (86%).  
• 88% of Americans agree members of Congress from both parties should work together to avoid a government shutdown.  
• 69% of Americans would be less likely to vote for a member of Congress if they supported a government shutdown. 

“The longer a shutdown drags on, the more likely we are to see longer TSA lines, flight delays and cancellations, national parks in disrepair and unnecessary delays in modernizing travel infrastructure. Nearly nine in 10 Americans agree Congress should work together to prevent a shutdown. Americans deserve better—lawmakers must act before October 1 to keep our government funded and protect jobs, travelers and our economy,” Freeman added.