The shutdown has disrupted air travel. Will that drive a surge in car rentals and train bookings?

The U.S. government shutdown is causing significant disruptions to air travel, prompting many travelers to seek alternative transportation options. The Federal Aviation Administration’s unprecedented decision to cut flights by 10% at airports nationwide has created a ripple effect throughout the transportation industry.

Car rental companies are witnessing a surge in demand as travelers look to navigate around flight cancellations and delays. Hertz reported that one-way reservations have increased by more than 20% through the coming weekend compared to the same period last year. Gil West, Hertz’s CEO, expressed concern about the situation, urging Congress to “swiftly pass a clean continuing resolution and restore certainty for travelers.”

Similar trends are emerging across the car rental sector. Peer-to-peer car-sharing platform Turo has seen nationwide bookings jump 30% year-over-year. Avis also confirmed an increase in one-way rental activity in response to airline schedule adjustments, assuring customers they would continue to adapt to evolving travel conditions.

The rail sector is capitalizing on the disruption as well. Amtrak is already forecasting record Thanksgiving ridership numbers. While the rail service noted that booking growth began before the shutdown, a company representative acknowledged it was “reasonable to expect an increased share shift to Amtrak” if flight disruptions continue to mount. Unlike air travel, Amtrak routes are operating normally during the shutdown.

Bus services are also positioning themselves as reliable alternatives. Flix North America, which operates FlixBus and Greyhound, is preparing for increased demand. “Our message is simple: you still have options,” said Kai Boysan, CEO of Flix North America. Boysan emphasized that intercity buses remain unaffected by the shutdown and the company is ready to add capacity where needed.

However, these alternatives are not without limitations. Train and bus routes vary in availability across different regions of the country, and some travelers have encountered sold-out tickets or rentals, forcing them to consider creative solutions.

Karen Soika from Greenwich, Connecticut, experienced this firsthand when her flight from Newark was rebooked to depart from JFK International Airport instead. Unable to secure a rental car for her trip to Utah, Soika resorted to booking a U-Haul truck to make the cross-country journey.

Not all travelers are willing to embrace such dramatic alternatives. Christina Schlegel of Arlington, Virginia, is monitoring her upcoming Wednesday flight to Fort Lauderdale for a pre-cruise trip. While her husband suggested driving if their flight is canceled, Schlegel prefers to find an alternative flight or airport rather than face a 12-hour drive.

The uncertainty is especially challenging for those planning trips further in advance, particularly with the approaching Thanksgiving holiday. The additional costs of securing backup options are also a significant consideration, leading many to adopt a wait-and-see approach.

“Everything is so fluid right now that many travelers are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach, especially looking ahead to Thanksgiving travel,” said Aixa Diaz, spokesperson for AAA. Diaz advises travelers to stay informed, maintain flexible backup plans, and take proactive steps to minimize potential disruptions, such as allowing extra travel time and considering alternative transportation to airports.

“Controlling what you can is key,” Diaz noted, emphasizing the importance of preparation during this uncertain period.

As the shutdown continues, its impact on travel infrastructure is likely to intensify, potentially reshaping how Americans move around the country during what would normally be one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. The situation underscores the interconnectedness of the U.S. transportation system and the far-reaching consequences when one component faces significant disruption.