U.S. Federal Government Shutdown Is Making Americans Cancel Trips

[Ed Wetschler]

TennesseePhotographer

The longest Federal government shutdown in U.S. history is having a substantial impact on leisure travel and will likely continue to do so. It's not just that airport security lines and have become incredibly long, and air traffic controllers confirm flight safety is being undermined, but also increasing numbers of Americans are foregoing leisure travel; 16 percent travelers have already cancelled a vacation due to concerns about the shutdown.

Among those who still plan to vacation during the next six months, 55 percent indicate that they will do so without hesitation, while 32 percent are planning to move forward but are monitoring the situation.

However, 14 percent are unsure or considering cancelling their vacation plans due to the shutdown.

The leading concerns among travelers considering cancelling their vacations due to the shutdown are park/monument closings, delay in receipt of their tax refund, and safety.

Potential Impact Areas  of Government Shutdown Affecting Decision to Potentially Cancel Vacation Plans	US Travelers Considering Cancelling Vacation Plans
National parks and monuments or other government-owned attractions closed	70%
Not sure what will be open at a destination	67%
Potential delay in receiving tax refund	65%
Safety concerns over fewer government employees in safety/security positions	65%
Longer airport security lines due to fewer TSA workers on hand	61%
Government worker/contractor and paycheck has been impacted	19%

While thirty-seven percent of U.S. travelers consider themselves Democrats and 31 percent Republicans, 32 percent consider themselves to be independent or have another party affiliation. More Republicans (64 percent) than Democrats (45 percent) are planning to take their upcoming vacation with no hesitation.

These results are from an online survey conducted January 10 – 11, 2019 among 400 U.S. travelers, defined as residents who are 18 or older and intend to take at least one vacation during the next six months. Please cite MMGY Global as the source.