Emily Reeve and her husband, who typically spend Thanksgiving in Hawaii, Florida, or Disneyland, have decided to stay home in Portland, Oregon this year due to concerns about potential post-election unrest. Anxiety around the upcoming 2024 election is causing some consumers to rethink their travel plans, with Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian noting that people prefer to be home during the election period. United Airlines executives expect a similar pattern of decreased travel demand in the weeks around the election.
A recent poll found that 64% of U.S. adults would avoid traveling domestically out of concerns about unrest depending on the election outcome. Travel businesses have also seen a decrease in bookings for the week of the election, but an increase in bookings for the following week. Security measures at airports could be increased during this time to ensure the safety of travelers.
Despite concerns about potential travel disruptions, 38% of U.S. adults still plan to travel during the holiday season. Some individuals are opting to travel abroad due to uncertainty surrounding the election’s impact on the economy. Others are postponing travel plans due to fears about potential job losses or government shutdowns post-election.
Additionally, concerns about political conflicts during family gatherings are on the rise, particularly among younger generations. Some families are opting to make separate holiday plans to avoid potential friction. Overall, political uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election is influencing travel decisions for many individuals and families.
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