- Shutdown ramifications: 74% of travelers changed holiday travel plans
- 33% of Americans lost confidence in the safety and reliability of flying
- 61% mistakenly believe they’re entitled to compensation when flights are delayed
- “Start with kindness, but document everything.” — LegalShield provider lawyer
A "perfect storm" of government dysfunction and weakened consumer protections has created widespread confusion among travelers, with three-quarters altering holiday plans while operating under misconceptions about their legal rights when flights are delayed or canceled, according to new LegalShield research.
LegalShield’s survey of more than 1,000 Americans reveals that about a third of those surveyed reported the shutdown spurred changes to holiday travel, and 40% plan to avoid airport and train stations this holiday season.
“It’s not just weather or lost luggage consumers are worried about; their trust in the travel system is eroding,” said Matt Layton, LegalShield senior vice president of consumer analytics. “The shutdown, plus new confusion regarding passenger compensation, exposed how fragile the travel ecosystem can be. This shift in confidence is driving real behavior changes.”
Confusion over Flight Compensation
LegalShield’s study unearthed a widely held misperception about what compensation travelers are due when their flight is delayed or canceled: while 61% of Americans believe travelers are entitled to compensation, federal regulations do not require airlines to provide anything. This month, the Trump administration withdrew a prior proposal to require compensation for delays within an airline’s control.
"We’ve spent our hard‑earned money for the airline to get us to our family and friends, and many people believe that if that doesn’t happen, the airline will automatically pay us back. That is simply not true," said Wayne Hassay, a LegalShield provider lawyer at Ohio-based Maguire Schneider Hassay, LLP. "While federal guidelines address issues such as significant delays, controllable events, overbooking, and tarmac delays, any additional compensation – like vouchers, meals, hotel stays, or cash for delays – is largely up to each airline, even if you still end up traveling."
Travel Anxieties: Unexpected Costs, Unclear Protections and Rising Financial Risk
Travel disruptions continue to carry significant hidden costs; lost time and financial losses remain especially widespread:
- 58% have wasted substantial time dealing with delays, customer service issues, appeals and claims
- 25% admit they are unfamiliar with their travel rights
- 55% have little to no confidence to assert their rights when problems arise
- 63% lost money due to travel disruptions
- 25% lost more than $500
Why Legal Help Matters: Faster Resolutions, Better Outcomes
More than half of travelers (52%) have filed complaints or taken legal action over travel disputes, and 46% contacted a lawyer, consumer protection agency or government office.
Hassay had this advice for travelers: "It's the holidays, so start with kindness. That goodwill can keep the resolution process moving and help grease the skids with overworked airline personnel. But don't stop there. Document everything meticulously: screenshot airline alerts, photograph your luggage for easy reference, and save every receipt related to the delay or cancellation. Depending on federal regulations and the airline’s policies, this diligent documentation may be your only path to reimbursement."
Hassay says a lawyer can help travelers get clarity and closure if they’re haggling with an airline.
"If you hit a wall – denied refunds, disappearing luggage claims, or a company that suddenly develops selective hearing – that is when talking to a lawyer can make a real difference. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, push for answers, and often save you time, stress, and even money."
The LegalShield Holiday Travel Survey was conducted in October 2025 among 1,028 U.S. adults, ages 18–80, using a sample balanced to U.S. Census demographics.
About LegalShield
For more than 50 years, LegalShield has provided everyday Americans with easy and affordable access to legal advice, counsel, protection, and representation. Serving millions, LegalShield is one of the world's largest platforms for legal, identity, and reputation management services protecting individuals and businesses across North America. Founded in 1972, LegalShield and its privacy management product IDShield equip individuals, families, businesses, and employers with the tools they need to affordably live a just and secure life. Through technology and innovation, LegalShield is transforming how people access legal guidance, with hundreds of qualified attorneys and law firms across the country. To learn more, visit LegalShield.com and IDShield.com.
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Three-quarters of travelers changed holiday plans while operating under major misconceptions about their legal rights when flights go wrong.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Taylor Smith, PR Director
taylor@ldww.co