America’s air travel system is at risk of major disruptions as the country prepares for an unprecedented influx of visitors ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2025 Ryder Cup, and the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
A new report from the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel warns that without immediate action, travelers could face massive delays, overwhelmed TSA checkpoints, and long visa processing times.
The report, backed by the U.S. Travel Association, outlines a blueprint for modernizing airports and streamlining security and visa processes before millions of international visitors arrive in the coming years. Experts are calling for urgent leadership from the White House and swift action from Congress to prevent a potential breakdown in the country’s air travel system.
“America is staring at a historic opportunity—the question is whether we will seize the moment or fall maddeningly short,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
“The next several years will bring unprecedented travel demand that our systems are not prepared to handle.”
A Call for Urgent Reform
To ensure a seamless experience for millions of travelers, the Commission recommends four key actions:
- Establishing a White House-led task force to coordinate efforts across federal agencies ahead of major global events.
- Streamlining visa processing by fully staffing consular offices and ensuring all visitor visas are processed within 30 days or less.
- Investing in advanced airport screening technology to reduce security wait times, allowing travelers to keep liquids, electronics, and shoes in their bags.
- Enhancing airport border control efficiency by increasing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staffing, leveraging biometrics, and implementing faster entry processing for returning U.S. citizens.
The U.S. Travel Association warns that failing to address these critical issues could result in lost tourism revenue, frustrated travelers, and severe airport congestion—all while the world watches.
“This is the moment to deliver the world-class travel system Americans deserve—and the world expects,” Freeman emphasized.
With bipartisan support and a new administration in place, experts believe the time to act is now. If reforms are implemented swiftly, the U.S. has the potential to unlock a $100 billion economic opportunity and establish itself as a global leader in seamless travel.
