The United States is once again on the brink of a federal government shutdown, which would begin at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, if lawmakers fail to reach a funding deal before the September 30 deadline. While the political stalemate plays out in Congress, the travel industry is preparing for wide-ranging consequences that could leave thousands of essential workers without pay and disrupt millions of Americans’ plans.
Impact on National Landmarks and Museums
A shutdown would force closures or service reductions at some of the nation’s most prominent destinations. National parks could shutter, while federally run museums—including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, the Smithsonian Museums, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.—would likely suspend operations until funding is restored.
Air Travel: Essential but Strained
The most immediate impact is expected in the skies. Both Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees are federal workers. Though classified as essential personnel and required to work without pay during a shutdown, staffing shortages could lead to longer security lines and more frequent flight delays.
Such disruptions often intensify if the shutdown drags on. During the 2019 government closure, unpaid workers began calling in sick, forcing some airports to temporarily shut down security lanes.
Global Entry applications, overseen by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), would be suspended during a shutdown, while passport processing could slow significantly. TSA PreCheck, however, would continue because it is funded through application fees rather than congressional appropriations.
Travel Industry Pushes Back
The U.S. Travel Association has sounded the alarm, warning lawmakers that a shutdown would deal a major blow to the tourism economy. In a letter sent to Congress last week, the group estimated the economic cost at $1 billion per week, citing disruptions to air and rail travel and closures of parks and museums.
“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 Geoff Freeman, the association’s president and CEO.
Public Concern Over Shutdown Disruptions
The uncertainty is already weighing on Americans. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos and released by the U.S. Travel Association, 60% of Americans said they would cancel or avoid air travel if a shutdown occurs. An overwhelming 81% agreed that shutdowns hurt the economy and inconvenience travelers.
With just days left before the deadline, the travel industry is watching anxiously, warning that the fallout of congressional inaction will extend far beyond Washington and into airports, parks, and vacation plans nationwide.
