On the heels of the most recent 44-day government shutdown, the United States experienced one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel seasons to date. The surge placed additional pressure on an already strained air travel system—particularly on air traffic controllers and TSA officers who worked through staffing shortages without pay.

Train travel also saw a sharp rise in demand. With many travelers looking to avoid flight delays and long airport lines, Amtrak projected a record-breaking Thanksgiving season of its own . As Christmas approaches, the rail operator is bracing for another spike in passenger numbers.

To recognize those who worked through these intense travel periods, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that Amtrak will award holiday bonuses to more than 18,000

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