A record number of Americans had been expected to fly during Thanksgiving, but a 43-day government shutdown dampened demand for one of the year’s busiest travel seasons.

Many skittish travelers rethought their plans as cancellations and delays mounted while the shutdown wore on.

“It’s not worth the mental strain and worry and what-ifs and if I get stranded, where am I going to get stuck?” said Elizabeth Kelley, 45. During the shutdown, she decided she would not fly home to Maine to visit family for Thanksgiving because she feared delays and cancellations. Her plans have not changed.

About 6 million U.S. travelers were expected to take domestic flights during the holiday, up 2% from 2024, according to the AAA. But bookings slowed after the shutdown hit the one-month mark. The steepest dr

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