USTA: U.S. air travel unprepared for World Cup, Olympics

US Air Travel Faces Challenges for 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics

THE U.S. IS unprepared for the air travel demands of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, according to the U.S. Travel Association’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel. Without immediate action, the outdated system will struggle with increased visitors amid concerns over visas, aging infrastructure and inadequate security technology.

The USTA-commissioned report estimates the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, 2025 Ryder Cup and the U.S.’s 250th birthday celebrations could draw 40 million visitors and generate $95 billion in economic activity.

"The next several years will bring unprecedented travel demand that our systems are not prepared to handle," said Geoff Freeman, USTA’s president and CEO. "Washington has a small window to fix major travel pain points and unlock a $100 billion economic opportunity—but it will require a level of urgency that has been missing in recent years."

The U.S. will also host the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup, 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and annual Formula One races in Las Vegas, Miami and Austin. The report calls on the Trump administration to create a senior White House-led task force to coordinate federal efforts for upcoming global events.

USTA emphasizes the need for swift modernization of air traffic control and solutions for controller shortages, alongside security reforms outlined in the report.

Based on the Commission’s report, the U.S. Travel Association calls on Congress and the Trump administration to take four steps:

1.Establish a White House-led task force chaired by a senior official to coordinate federal efforts and maximize the impact of major global events over the next four years.

2.Streamline visa processing for the 2026 World Cup by:

• Ensuring full consular staffing for visa processing.
• Extending B-1/B-2 visa validity for vetted visitors by two years.
• Establishing a National Vetting Service to process all visitor visas within 30 days.
• Expanding the "Secure Travel Partnership" as a pathway to the Visa Waiver Program.

3.Modernize airport security screening by investing in advanced technology. Within five years, travelers should be able to carry larger liquids, keep electronics and IDs in bags, and forgo removing shoes, jackets, and belts. End the diversion of the Passenger Security Fee and increase technology funding.

4.Enhance airport border efficiency and security by:

• Fully staffing CBP officers at airport customs.
• Using biometrics and advanced vetting to eliminate unnecessary customs interviews for returning Americans.
• Completing biometric air exit within two years to prevent overstays.

"The advancements we recommend are an opportunity for President Trump and Congress to enact the most significant improvements to air travel since TSA PreCheck, which revolutionized traveler security and screening," said Freeman. "Each of our recommendations will enhance both security and speed, ensuring travelers move efficiently through our airports."

The Commission includes former officials from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, and the State Department, along with private sector experts in airport management and investment.

An October report by USTA and Ipsos found that air travel hassles cause fliers to skip an average of two trips per year, leading to 27 million avoided trips, a $71 billion economic loss, and a $4.5 billion drop in tax revenue.