Poll: Many Americans worried about travel post shutdown cancel or change holiday plans
The recent conclusion of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has left a significant mark on travel plans, particularly as the busy holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. A survey conducted by The Points Guy in collaboration with YouGov reveals that a substantial number of Americans are re-evaluating their travel intentions due to ongoing concerns stemming from the shutdown and the associated air traffic controller shortages. The survey, conducted on November 11-12, shows that 41% of Thanksgiving travelers and 40% of Christmas travelers have either canceled, rescheduled, or adjusted their travel plans. This data highlights a growing apprehension among the flying public, with nearly half of U.S. adults expressing concern about flying due to safety reasons linked to the shutdown.
The survey results indicate a clear trend of disruption in travel plans, with 18% of those planning to travel for Thanksgiving outright canceling their trips, while 15% opted for alternative modes of transportation, such as driving or taking the train. For the Christmas season, the numbers are similarly concerning, with 19% of respondents canceling their travel plans and 15% adjusting them. The findings suggest that the repercussions of the government shutdown are resonating with travelers, who are increasingly wary of potential disruptions and safety issues as they prepare for what is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
As travelers navigate these challenges, it remains to be seen how these concerns will impact holiday travel prices and the availability of last-minute deals. While many Americans still plan to travel, the significant percentage of those changing or canceling their plans underscores the lingering effects of the shutdown on public sentiment. As the holiday season draws nearer, ongoing developments in the travel landscape will be closely monitored, and insights into airfare trends and travel tips will continue to be shared.
While the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has finally
come to an end
, the travel repercussions are ongoing — and they’ve made some travelers even more fearful about traveling right now.
The Points Guy commissioned a poll from YouGov on the impacts of the shutdown and the ensuing chaos for travelers, with some fascinating findings. Among them?
Among U.S. adults planning to travel for either Thanksgiving or Christmas:
41%
of Thanksgiving travelers responded that current travel disruptions made them cancel, reschedule or adjust their Thanksgiving travel plans
40%
of Christmas travelers responded that current travel disruptions made them cancel, reschedule or adjust their Christmas travel plans
48%
of all U.S. adults responded that they are either very or somewhat concerned about flying due to safety reasons because of the shutdown and/or the air traffic controller shortages
These are sizable chunks of the flying public — especially considering the fact that we are fast approaching some of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Here’s what our new survey found.
Fear of flying
JENS HAUSPURG/GETTY IMAGES
One of the most interesting findings of the new TPG-YouGov survey was that nearly half of Americans are concerned about flying due to the government shutdown and the shortage of air traffic controllers.
THE POINTS GUY
A whopping 48% of Americans said they were “very” or “somewhat” concerned about flying due to safety reasons, while 20% were either “not very concerned” or “not at all concerned.”
That suggests there are some ongoing worries about the overall safety of the system.
The survey was taken Nov. 11-12, so just as the shutdown was coming to an end.
Thanksgiving travel
SCOTT OLSON/GETTY IMAGES
Of those we surveyed who planned to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, approximately 4 in 10 (41%) had either been rethinking their trips or had actually changed or canceled them. Eighteen percent said they canceled their travel plans. Another 15% said they adjusted their plans (such as by driving or taking the train instead of flying). That’s a significant portion of the flying public.
THE POINTS GUY
Christmas travel
Christmas Eve 2021 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
We saw similar numbers for the Christmas travel period. Of those who were planning to travel for Christmas, 6% of respondents reported rescheduling their flights. Another 15% said they adjusted their plans, opting to drive or take a train instead. A whopping 19% of those who planned to travel for Christmas reported canceling their travel plans altogether.
THE POINTS GUY
It will be fascinating to see if these numbers hold up now that the government crisis is over — but it is clear that the 43-day-long shutdown has already left its mark on the 2026 holiday season.
Bottom line
Most Americans are still planning to travel for Thanksgiving or Christmas despite the recently concluded government shutdown and the resulting travel chaos. But a substantial number were worried enough to change or cancel their travel plans.
While we don’t yet have data on what it will mean for holiday prices and the possibility of last-minute deals, you can be sure we will bring those details to you as we get them.
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Methodology:
The Points Guy commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 1,185 U.S. adults. Fieldwork was undertaken Nov. 11-12, 2025. The survey was carried out online and meets rigorous quality standards. It gathered a non-probability-based sample and employed demographic quotas and weights to better align the survey sample with the broader U.S. population.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
