Home » AIRLINE NEWS » New Jersey, California, Florida in Thanksgiving Day Chaos Waiting List, While Hawaii, Nevada See US Federal Government Shutdown Effect and Pennsylvania, New York Marred by Trump Tariff Impact, What’s Going On in American Travel Sector
Published on
October 19, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
New Jersey, California, and Florida can be hit hard by Thanksgiving Day chaos in 2025 and it was happened in 2024, with waiting lists growing at major airports as passengers faced long delays. Meanwhile, Hawaii and Nevada felt the sting of the US federal government shutdown, affecting airport operations. In Pennsylvania and New York, the impact of Trump’s tariffs was evident, leaving the American travel sector struggling. The US travel industry is facing unprecedented challenges.
Thanksgiving Travel Chaos and the Impact of Trump’s Tariff & Government Shutdown on US Travel
In 2025, US travel faced an incredibly turbulent year. Thanksgiving Day travel chaos, government shutdowns, and the effects of Trump’s tariffs all had a huge impact on the travel industry. From airports in New Jersey, California, and Florida to the national economy, this year’s travel woes were felt across the country. In this article, we’ll break down how these factors combined to make travel to and from the US a struggle for millions of passengers.
Thanksgiving Day Travel Chaos: A Nightmare for US Travelers
For many people, Thanksgiving is the time of year when families come together to celebrate, but 2025 brought a travel nightmare for those flying across the US. Major airports across the country, especially in New Jersey, were heavily affected. Newark Liberty International Airport, located in New Jersey, was one of the hardest hit by delays and cancellations during the holiday rush.
Why was there so much chaos? Weather disruptions and outdated infrastructure caused massive delays, with New Jersey being one of the worst states affected. Thousands of people were stuck in long lines at security and missed their flights because of a staffing shortage. According to Skift, Newark was one of the worst airports in the country for delays. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) even had to issue special flight restrictions at the airport to manage the overwhelming traffic, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the mess.
In other states, including California and Florida, Thanksgiving Day travel also came with its own set of problems. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), both in California, faced huge crowds, long security lines, and delays that left passengers frustrated. Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida saw similar issues. The surge in passengers led to longer wait times and made it almost impossible for many to catch their flights on time.
Millions of people across the US, including those travelling to and from New Jersey, California, and Florida, had their Thanksgiving holiday plans ruined by travel chaos. It was a frustrating reminder of how vulnerable the US travel system is during peak times, particularly at major airports.
Trump’s Tariff Impact on US Travel in 2025
While Thanksgiving chaos took the spotlight, another big factor affecting US travel in 2025 was Trump’s tariffs. These tariffs on foreign goods had a domino effect on the travel industry, raising costs for airlines, manufacturers, and travellers alike. The tariffs were imposed on products like aluminum and steel, and their effects were felt in various industries, including the aviation sector.
In California, the rise in tariffs led to higher aircraft production costs. Airlines were faced with the dilemma of either absorbing the extra costs or raising ticket prices. California, home to major airline hubs like Los Angeles and San Francisco, saw increased airfares as a result of these tariffs. Passengers in these states felt the pain of higher travel costs, especially when booking flights during busy periods like Thanksgiving or Memorial Day.
In Florida, the tariffs also affected travel. The state’s tourism industry, heavily reliant on visitors from abroad, was hit hard. The U.S. Travel Association reported a decrease in international visitors, as the tariffs made it more expensive for foreign travellers to visit the US. Florida, with its major tourist destinations like Orlando and Miami, faced a drop in international tourism, which resulted in losses for the state’s economy.
The Trump tariffs hurt US travel in multiple ways, increasing the cost of airfares and reducing international tourism, and it’s clear that the travel industry is still grappling with the consequences.
Government Shutdown: A Threat to US Travel Efficiency
Adding to the turmoil in 2025, the government shutdown became another obstacle for the travel industry. When the shutdown began in October, it had a ripple effect across many sectors, including air travel. With TSA officers working without pay and air traffic controllers stretched thin, the shutdown led to longer lines at airports and disruptions in flight schedules.
During the shutdown, New Jersey, California, and Florida all experienced travel delays. In New Jersey, Newark airport was particularly affected, with passengers waiting hours just to go through security. Similarly, airports in California and Florida experienced delays as staffing shortages took a toll on airport operations. It was clear that the government shutdown made things much worse for already overwhelmed airports during peak travel times.
Experts predicted that if the shutdown continued, it would not only lead to more flight delays but could also impact the overall safety of air travel in the US. The shutdown placed further pressure on an already struggling US travel system. Passengers trying to travel to and from the US were left frustrated, unsure of how to navigate the long delays caused by government dysfunction.
Memorial Day Surge and Travel Disruptions Across the US
The surge in travel continued into Memorial Day 2025, a time when millions of Americans pack airports to take advantage of the long weekend. As Memorial Day approached, many airlines and airports braced for another travel surge. TSA predicted record-breaking numbers of passengers, and airlines like United Airlines and Delta prepared for a flood of bookings.
As expected, California, New Jersey, and Florida all saw an increase in passenger traffic. Los Angeles and San Francisco experienced the brunt of this surge, with long lines and crowded terminals. New Jersey’s Newark was again struggling to manage the chaos, with flight delays and cancellations. In Florida, both Miami and Orlando airports saw overwhelming crowds, causing delays for passengers trying to reach their destinations.
In states like California and Florida, where tourism and travel are major contributors to the local economy, the surging demand for flights only added to the stress and delays already caused by other factors like the government shutdown and Trump’s tariffs. The increased demand for travel, combined with systemic issues at US airports, led to another chaotic travel experience for millions of passengers.
Cybersecurity Breaches and the Growing Threat to US Travel
Another major threat to US travel in 2025 was cybersecurity breaches at airports. In May of that year, Newark Liberty International Airport suffered a major cybersecurity breach that resulted in delays and flight cancellations. This raised concerns over the vulnerability of US airports to digital threats. As airports continue to rely on technology for ticketing, security checks, and air traffic control systems, cyberattacks have become an increasing risk to the safety and efficiency of US travel.
In California and Florida, major airports also reported cyber threats, though the incidents were not as severe as the breach at Newark. The breaches, combined with issues like staffing shortages and outdated technology, made it harder for passengers to navigate through the chaos during peak travel times. The threat of cyberattacks on US airports underscores the need for major upgrades in airport technology and cybersecurity protocols to ensure the safety of US travellers.
A Closer Look at the States Most Affected
When examining the state-by-state impact of the disruptions in 2025, it’s clear that New Jersey, California, and Florida were hit hardest.
New Jersey: Home to Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the US, New Jersey experienced flight delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages, cybersecurity breaches, and the government shutdown.California: Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport both saw massive crowds, longer wait times, and delays, especially during Thanksgiving and Memorial Day. The impact of Trump’s tariffs and rising airfares also affected travel to and from the state.Florida: Miami and Orlando airports were crowded with tourists and locals, causing long lines and delays. The drop in international visitors due to Trump’s tariffs also hurt Florida’s economy, making it harder for the state’s travel industry to bounce back.The Challenges Facing US Travel
In 2025, the US travel industry faced numerous challenges, from Thanksgiving Day travel chaos to Trump’s tariffs, a government shutdown, and cybersecurity breaches. The disruptions in major states like New Jersey, California, and Florida made travel to and from the US incredibly difficult. As we move forward, it’s clear that the US needs major reforms in infrastructure, staffing, and cybersecurity to prevent these disruptions from happening again.
For US travellers and those looking to travel to the US, these challenges serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for unexpected delays and disruptions. It is clear that the US travel system needs serious improvements to ensure a smoother, safer, and more efficient experience for everyone.
America’s travel system has been thrown into turmoil in 2024, with a combination of factors leading to widespread disruptions. From chaotic Thanksgiving travel to the devastating effects of a government shutdown, the surge of Memorial Day travellers, cybersecurity breaches, and even technical glitches at major airports, the travel scene in the US has become a nightmare for many. But that’s not all — Trump’s tariffs are also causing concern for the travel industry, further compounding the chaos.
In this article, we will explore these major disruptions that are impacting US travel. We will dive into how the country is struggling to maintain a smooth travel experience, and what travellers need to know when planning their next trip to the US.
Thanksgiving Travel Chaos – A Nightmare For Thousands
Thanksgiving 2024 marked one of the most hectic and disruptive travel periods in US history. Millions of people travelled to be with family, but what was meant to be a joyful occasion quickly turned into a travel nightmare. Airports across the country were overwhelmed, particularly Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which faced a record number of delays and cancellations.
Why was this chaos happening? A combination of weather disruptions, outdated infrastructure, and staffing shortages left passengers stranded for hours. In fact, Newark was one of the worst airports for delays, with many travellers stuck at the airport due to a lack of available staff and technical issues.
According to Skift, Newark was not the only airport suffering. Airlines across the nation also faced delays, with American Airlines reporting significant disruptions in routes to and from major cities like Dallas, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Passengers on domestic and international flights faced hours-long delays, causing massive headaches for those looking to travel to and from the US. If you were planning to travel during Thanksgiving, you might have been among the thousands of people dealing with frustrating delays and cancellations.
The Impact of a US Government Shutdown on Travel
Another major disruption affecting the US travel industry in 2025 was the government shutdown. For many, the shutdown was a nightmare that led to longer waits and flight delays. Why did the shutdown impact travel? When the government shut down, essential travel services like TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and air traffic control were still operational, but staffing shortages and disrupted services led to even more chaos at airports.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, if the government shutdown continued for longer periods, it would hurt the economy by slowing down travel and tourism. More than just a government issue, the shutdown created uncertainty for airlines, especially when flight bookings were at their peak.
In the event of a shutdown, long airport queues became the norm. While airlines like Delta managed to stay afloat without many issues, the ripple effect from such a national crisis severely impacted those looking to travel to and from the US. The shutdown reminded us that US travel relies heavily on government services, and without the support, it’s impossible for the system to run smoothly.
Memorial Day Travel Surge – Record Breaking Crowds in US Airports
The Memorial Day weekend in 2024 saw a record-breaking surge in US travellers. AAA projected over 43.8 million Americans would travel, marking an increase of 4% compared to the previous year. With summer on the horizon, many families chose to travel, and the demand was higher than ever before. As expected, the Memorial Day weekend was an extremely busy travel period in the US, causing crowded airports and delayed flights.
United Airlines reported flying 3.8 million passengers during the Memorial Day weekend, marking a massive surge in US travel. Airports across the country, including those in California, Texas, and Florida, were flooded with passengers. The busiest airports in Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Orlando saw lengthy delays, and travellers struggled with long security lines as a result of the sudden travel surge.
For those planning to travel to the US or from America, it was clear that navigating through these massive crowds required patience and a willingness to endure lengthy waits at check-in counters, security, and boarding gates.
Cybersecurity Breach at Newark – A Wake-Up Call for US Travel
In May 2025, Newark Liberty International Airport was once again at the centre of a massive cybersecurity breach. The breach disrupted air traffic control systems, causing delays, cancellations, and flight diversions. While the cyberattack did not cause major harm to passengers, it raised concerns about the vulnerability of US travel systems.
Newark and other US airports have long faced criticism for outdated systems and technological shortcomings. The breach served as a wake-up call to the industry, highlighting the urgent need for better cybersecurity measures. With the rise of digital technology in airports, the threat of cyberattacks on US airports has never been more real. This incident left many wondering: if a major cybersecurity breach could happen at one of the busiest airports in the US, what’s stopping it from happening at other major airports in the US travel network?
For those planning US travel or travel to America, it’s clear that cybersecurity is an area in need of urgent attention. As US travellers rely more on digital tools for ticketing, check-ins, and flight tracking, it’s essential that airports across the country improve their systems to protect sensitive passenger information.
Trump’s Tariffs and the US Travel Industry – A Costly Affair
The Trump Administration’s tariffs on goods like aluminum and steel also had a lasting impact on the US travel industry. Initially, these tariffs were meant to protect domestic industries, but they led to higher costs for airlines and aircraft manufacturers. Airlines like Delta and American Airlines were forced to contend with increased operating costs.
Higher tariffs on aircraft components and materials made it more expensive for airlines to maintain their fleets, leading to higher ticket prices for passengers. For US travellers, this meant that the cost of airfares could rise, making it more expensive to travel to the US or travel from America. Moreover, US travel was affected by these rising costs, as airlines looked for ways to maintain profitability.
The tariffs also had a global impact, affecting international travel and tourism. For instance, some foreign carriers, like Lufthansa and Qatar Airways, adjusted their ticket prices due to the added tariff costs. This shifted the balance of US travel as passengers considered cheaper options for international flights.
State-by-State Travel Impact
Travel disruptions were felt across the country, with each state experiencing varying degrees of travel turmoil. In California, over 5.6 million people were expected to travel during Memorial Day 2024. This surge in travel led to massive crowds at San Francisco and Los Angeles airports.
In New Jersey, Newark Airport was one of the hardest-hit airports, experiencing significant delays due to staffing shortages and a combination of weather-related disruptions. In Florida, airports in Orlando and Miami were flooded with visitors, causing long wait times and frustration for both international and domestic travellers.
Texas, with its major hubs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, also saw a surge in passenger traffic. These airports were among the busiest during the Memorial Day surge, with long lines and delays being common for US travellers.
As we have seen, US travel in 2024 and 2025 has been marked by unprecedented levels of disruption. From Thanksgiving chaos and government shutdowns to cybersecurity breaches and tariff hikes, the travel experience in America has been anything but smooth. For travellers heading to the US, these disruptions serve as a reminder of the challenges of modern-day travel. Whether it’s a technical glitch at Newark, a government shutdown, or tariffs affecting airfares, there are many hurdles to navigate. But despite the setbacks, US travel remains a crucial part of the global tourism industry.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that US travel needs significant investment in infrastructure, staffing, and cybersecurity. The future of travel to America may depend on how well the industry adapts to these challenges. Only time will tell whether the US can turn its travel nightmare into a seamless experience for millions of future travellers.
