Emily Reeve and her husband, who typically spend their Thanksgiving holiday traveling to Hawaii, Florida, or Disneyland, have decided to stay home in Portland, Oregon this year due to concerns about potential post-election unrest. The anxiety around the 2024 election is causing some consumers to rethink their travel plans, with many preferring to be home during the election period.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian anticipated a decrease in travel around the election period, as people tend to want to be home during that time. Despite the potential for disruptions, 38% of U.S. adults still plan to travel this holiday season. Concerns about the election outcome, economic uncertainty, and potential job insecurity are influencing travelers’ decisions.
Business travel is also being impacted, with a 19% decrease in domestic flight bookings for the week of the election compared to the previous year. Travel industry experts are anticipating tighter security measures at airports and an increase in concerns about safety and political tensions during the upcoming holiday season.
Some families are choosing to cancel or postpone travel plans in light of potential unrest or disagreements over politics. Concerns about political conflict during family gatherings are higher among younger generations, with some deciding to make separate plans this holiday season to avoid friction. The uncertainty surrounding the post-election environment is prompting travelers to reevaluate their holiday plans and prioritize safety and peace of mind.
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