The Election Is Negatively Impacting Travel Plans, According to a New Survey

Anxious Americans are planning to avoid travel.

There are six days left until the U.S. elections. Many Americans are anxious about potential tensions. Government workers are facing threats, and intelligence agencies have warned of possible disruptions from domestic extremists.

While Election Day is November 5, it may take several days for the results to be announced, and this long, uncertain stretch of a polarizing election is making travelers apprehensive about leaving home during this period.

A survey conducted by the travel website Vacationer revealed that more than 64% of Americans plan to avoid travel to certain cities due to concerns about riots and protests. Interestingly, the survey also asked whether Americans would prefer to sit next to Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump on a long flight–55% chose Harris.

As the elections approach, travelers may notice increased security at airports. Jeffrey Price from the aviation security consultancy Leading Edge Strategies told NBC News that the TSA remains vigilant in this heightened threat environment. “We prepare for all contingencies and employ multiple layers of security that are both visible and hidden,” he stated.

There is considerable uncertainty about the aftermath of the elections, especially following the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack. Additionally, there is growing concern about the economy as travel costs and inflation continue to be on the minds of travelers. A change in government could further impact these issues. Moreover, federal funding for the government is set to expire on December 20, just days before the Christmas holidays and immediately after a new president is elected. If Congress fails to act by then, a government shutdown may hit before the end of the year.

In the Vacationer survey, slightly more Americans expressed that Kamala Harris’ presidency might lead to better consumer travel protection laws. However, a larger number believe that Donald Trump’s reelection could lower travel costs.

Despite these concerns, holiday travel trends appear positive.

United Airlines CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC that the airline anticipates a slowdown around the elections, as consumers tend to refrain from making purchases—whether for homes or flight tickets—during uncertain times. However, he believes this is just a temporary pause, as people generally prefer to be home. “The holiday period is really strong, and we think we will push through,” he said.

Airbnb has also reported an upward trend in holiday travel, with over a 25% increase in international searches during Christmas and New Year’s. Families are opting for homes outside of cities for their holiday stays.

Last year, airlines and the Transportation Security Administration predicted record-breaking holiday travel, and this summer, passenger volumes passing through the TSA have surged. In fact, the top 10 busiest days in TSA history were recorded in 2024.

Throughout this year, passenger screenings have consistently exceeded 2023 numbers, and this trend is expected to continue as the country enters its busiest travel season.