Whereas the longest authorities shutdown in U.S. historical past has lastly come to an finish, the journey repercussions are ongoing — they usually’ve made some vacationers much more fearful about touring proper now.
The Factors Man commissioned a ballot from YouGov on the impacts of the shutdown and the following chaos for vacationers, with some fascinating findings. Amongst them?
Amongst U.S. adults planning to journey for both Thanksgiving or Christmas:
- 41% of Thanksgiving vacationers responded that present journey disruptions made them cancel, reschedule or regulate their Thanksgiving journey plans
- 40% of Christmas vacationers responded that present journey disruptions made them cancel, reschedule or regulate their Christmas journey plans
- 48% of all U.S. adults responded that they’re both very or considerably involved about flying on account of security causes due to the shutdown and/or the air visitors controller shortages
These are sizable chunks of the flying public — particularly contemplating the truth that we’re quick approaching a few of the busiest journey durations of the yr.
This is what our new survey discovered.
Concern of flying
Probably the most fascinating findings of the brand new TPG-YouGov survey was that almost half of Individuals are involved about flying because of the authorities shutdown and the scarcity of air visitors controllers.
A whopping 48% of Individuals mentioned they have been “very” or “considerably” involved about flying on account of security causes, whereas 20% have been both “not very involved” or “in no way involved.”
That means there are some ongoing worries in regards to the total security of the system.
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The survey was taken Nov. 11-12, so simply because the shutdown was coming to an finish.
Thanksgiving journey
Of these we surveyed who deliberate to journey for the Thanksgiving vacation, roughly 4 in 10 (41%) had both been rethinking their journeys or had really modified or canceled them. Eighteen % mentioned they canceled their journey plans. One other 15% mentioned they adjusted their plans (resembling by driving or taking the prepare as a substitute of flying). That is a good portion of the flying public.
Christmas journey
We noticed comparable numbers for the Christmas journey interval. Of those that have been planning to journey for Christmas, 6% of respondents reported rescheduling their flights. One other 15% mentioned they adjusted their plans, opting to drive or take a prepare as a substitute. A whopping 19% of those that deliberate to journey for Christmas reported canceling their journey plans altogether.
Will probably be fascinating to see if these numbers maintain up now that the federal government disaster is over — however it’s clear that the 43-day-long shutdown has already left its mark on the 2026 vacation season.
Backside line
Most Individuals are nonetheless planning to journey for Thanksgiving or Christmas regardless of the lately concluded authorities shutdown and the ensuing journey chaos. However a considerable quantity have been nervous sufficient to vary or cancel their journey plans.
Whereas we do not but have information on what it is going to imply for vacation costs and the potential of last-minute offers, you may be positive we’ll carry these particulars to you as we get them.
Associated studying:
Methodology:
The Factors Man commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey. All figures, until in any other case said, are from YouGov Plc. The entire pattern dimension was 1,185 U.S. adults. Fieldwork was undertaken Nov. 11-12, 2025. The survey was carried out on-line and meets rigorous high quality requirements. It gathered a non-probability-based pattern and employed demographic quotas and weights to higher align the survey pattern with the broader U.S. inhabitants.
