By Sue Berman, SVP, Service Delivery, ALTOUR
During the 43-days of the US government shutdown, it created a level of strain across the aviation ecosystem that few expected to last as long as it did. Flight reductions, staffing shortages and slower regulatory processes all hit at once, and for many organizations, it became a real-world test of how resilient their travel programs truly were.
For ALTOUR clients, it was a moment that reinforced the power of a model built on proactive guidance, human expertise and predictive technology. While the wider industry scrambled, we kept travelers moving and gave organizations the clarity they needed to make smart decisions in a fast-changing situation.
How Traveler Behavior Shifted, and How We Responded Early
As uncertainty grew, many travelers delayed or reshaped their plans. With Thanksgiving looming, it became a particular point of concern, with large numbers adjusting itineraries because of the risk of long lines and cancellations.
During the shutdown however, our teams stepped in early. As soon as FAA capacity cuts were announced, we provided clients with guidance on alternative airports, off-peak booking windows and lower-risk routing options and helping organizations act before issues escalated. This proactive support helped maintain traveler confidence at a time when media headlines were far more volatile than the actual situation on the ground.
Navigating the Operational Shock to Aviation
At the height of the shutdown, air traffic control shortages triggered flight reductions of up to 10% at key airports. On one heavily impacted day, more than 2,100 flights were cancelled nationwide. TSA staffing added further pressure as security lines lengthened.
ALTOUR clients didn’t face this alone. Our consultants worked 24/7 to manage reroutes, reissues and urgent changes. Service teams absorbed higher volumes, while maintaining high-touch service, and VIP travelers received one-to-one support to protect essential itineraries.
Behind the scenes, ALTOUR Intelligence played a significant role. AI Predict flagged congestion patterns and early indicators of potential delays, allowing travelers to re-route before lines grew and cancellations spiked. During a period when public information varied widely, our real-time monitoring gave clients a reliable source of truth.
What We Learned — and How We’re Strengthening Programs for 2026
The shutdown validated something we’ve long believed: predictive tech works best when paired with experienced travel consultants who understand the complexities of travel.
We’ve already updated disruption playbooks and refined our approach to risk monitoring ahead of 2026. The goal is simple: keep clients ahead of potential disruption, not reacting to it.
Practical Tips for the Holiday Travel Season
While conditions have stabilized, holiday travel will still be busy. Here’s our guidance as you move through the winter season:
- Give yourself extra airport time while staffing continues to recover
- Expect busy terminals and full flights as demand remains high
- Check weather forecasts before you travel, especially across the Northeast and Midwest.
- If travelling by road for Thanksgiving, leave before noon on Tuesday or before 11am on Wednesday to avoid peak traffic:
- For the return journey, leave before 1pm on Saturday or Sunday, or after 8pm on Monday.
- When driving, fill your tank the night before to avoid last-minute queues.
Planning Ahead
The shutdown reminded the industry how quickly strain can hit the system, and how important it is to have the right support in place. If you want to strengthen your corporate travel program and improve resilience in 2026, ALTOUR is here to help.
Speak to us if you’d like tailored guidance for your travelers or want to review your program ahead of the next busy cycle.
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