Growing Concerns Push Americans to Rethink International Travel
Date: 20 May 2025
As trust in airline safety decreases, an increase in detentions of US citizens when attempting to re-enter the country, along with rising anti-American sentiments abroad, many Americans are reconsidering their summer travel plans. This shift in mindset is exemplified by Mary S., a marketing professional from southern Arizona, who typically travels twice a year to Mexico and was looking forward to a summer conference in Canada. However, recent changes to US immigration policies and a notable rise in detentions have left her apprehensive. “I have no plans to go near an airport or border crossing,” she expressed.
Mary’s concerns are not unfounded. Social media discourse around travel safety has intensified recently, coinciding with reports of increased detentions at US airports. For instance, Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer known for his political discussions, was held for hours at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport upon returning from France. During his detention, he faced interrogation regarding his opinions on the Middle East and even whether he supported Donald Trump.
Federal Response and Travel Trends
In light of these incidents, Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, defended the detentions as a standard part of travel procedures. Despite assertions that most travelers continue to book trips as normal, some travel advisors are witnessing a shift. Tamara Lidbom from Anytime Travel Agency mentioned that many lawful permanent residents are canceling their trips, opting to vacation within the United States instead.
| Concern | Impact on Travel |
|---|---|
| Increased Detention of US Citizens | Higher cancellations, especially among lawful permanent residents. |
| Air Safety Concerns | Decreased demand for international flights; preference for domestic travel. |
| Economic Uncertainty | Deflation in international travel spending; Americans lean towards local vacations. |
Safety and Economic Implications
Additional issues such as staffing shortages and operational failures at airports have compounded travelers’ fears, notably at Newark Airport, which recently faced system outages that hindered communication between air traffic controllers and pilots. However, data from the National Transportation Safety Board indicate that fatal aviation incidents remain below average.
The perception of safety appears to be influencing travel behavior significantly. Sarah Magnoni, a travel advisor, noted a marked increase in her clients’ inquiries regarding aviation safety compared to previous years. Despite her encouragement to avoid problematic airports, she maintains confidence in overall airline safety, citing that commercial pilots continue to operate without striking.
Continued Travel Anxiety and Its Effects
In a broader context, changing visa requirements and rising tensions in various countries have left many wondering whether to travel abroad. Some, like Emily Dreilich, who initially planned a trip to Bolivia, are opting to stay in the US due to travel apprehensions. “The anxiety surrounding flight disruptions and border crossing unpredictability is what really led me to reconsider,” she stated.
While some Americans are choosing to explore domestic destinations such as Vail, Colorado, others are beginning to forecast a busy travel season domestically. With a declining dollar and concerns about overseas travel, many are seeking closer-to-home alternatives, reflecting a shift in travel behavior from international to domestic preferences.
Travel data indicates that overnight visitors from Western Europe decreased significantly as of March 2025 compared to the year prior, signaling potential long-term consequences for the US travel industry. Consequently, the World Travel & Tourism Council has warned that the US might miss an estimated $12.5 billion in international travel spending this year, marking a critical moment for the sector and the government to reevaluate its approach to international travel.
