The American Travel Association warns that government shutdown could lead to holiday travel chaos.

The U.S. Travel Association sent a letter to Congress urging the government to reopen before the upcoming peak travel season for traditional American holidays to avoid widespread chaos in air transportation. Currently, the government shutdown has entered its 34th day. The Association pointed out that a large number of air traffic control personnel are absent, forced to work part-time to make a living, leading to a drastic increase in flight delays affecting approximately 3.2 million passengers. The U.S. Congressional Budget Office estimates that the shutdown has caused economic losses of $7 to $14 billion. U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Jeff Freeman stated that aviation security will still be maintained, but passengers will pay a "heavy and completely unnecessary price" for delays, cancellations, and lost confidence. 500 organizations, including Hilton Hotels and Resorts and MGM International Hotels, jointly signed the letter, urging Congress to pass a temporary funding bill to quickly restore government operations and noting that 60% of Americans have reconsidered their holiday travel plans.