Published on: November 4, 2025, at 08:32h.

Updated on: November 4, 2025, at 08:34h.

• The federal government shutdown threatens to disrupt Thanksgiving travel
• This is the view shared by the US Travel Association, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts

With Thanksgiving fast approaching in just over three weeks, travel experts warn that this five-day holiday could see unprecedented chaos if the federal government remains in shutdown.

According to the US Travel Association, the ongoing shutdown has already resulted in over $4.8 billion in lost travel revenue since Congress failed to approve a funding bill on October 1. As the deadlock in DC continues, Democrats are standing firm on a continuing resolution demanding conditions on extending Obamacare tax credits.

The US Travel Association, supported by nearly 500 organizations and businesses across various sectors in the travel and hospitality industry, is sounding the alarm that a Thanksgiving shutdown could lead to significant economic repercussions and added chaos.

“Thanksgiving should center on family, not on the anxiety of flight cancellations or disrupted plans,” stated Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association.

“The impact of this shutdown is escalating rapidly, with 60% of Americans re-evaluating their travel plans. It’s imperative that Congress acts swiftly. The quickest route to restoring travel confidence is by reopening the government with a straightforward continuing resolution,” Freeman, former leader of the American Gaming Association, further emphasized.

The correspondence, dated November 3, was directed to key political figures including US Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

Challenging Travel Predictions

Las Vegas tourism is experiencing a downturn in 2025, with the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA), a signatory of the US Travel Association letter to Congress, reporting a decline of 7.9% in visitor numbers through September.

Approximately 2.5 million fewer guests have visited Las Vegas this year. Although gaming revenues have remained steady compared to the previous year, casinos have reported significant downturns in room, food, beverage, and entertainment sales.

With the government shutdown initiated in October, predictions for the LVCVA’s upcoming October report do not look promising.

“A shutdown places immense pressure on federal workers necessary for national operations, from TSA staff to air traffic controllers, who find themselves working without pay. Deteriorating staffing conditions can escalate airport wait times, leading to more flight delays and cancellations, which jeopardizes family travel plans nationwide,” indicated the US Travel Association’s letter to congressional leaders.

Call for Government Action

Freeman concluded his appeal by reminding Congress that “the American public anticipates and deserves a fully operational government during peak holiday travel times.” Beyond travel disruptions, the ongoing shutdown poses needless financial strains on families, workers, businesses, and communities across the U.S.

In addition to the LVCVA, notable signatories of the US Travel Association letter included Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, The Venetian Casino Resort, and the American Gaming Association.