Here’s how to deal with potential cancellations and delays as the FAA reduces flights at major airports during the government shutdown.
getty
If you’re flying soon, brace for delays and cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Wednesday that airlines must cut air traffic by 10% across 40 major airports across the country to keep travel safe. The announcement came during the longest government shutdown in history, which has forced air traffic controllers to work unpaid since Oct. 1 and led to staffing shortages at airports.
Airlines have been scrambling to adjust their schedules to comply with the new limits, which are set to take effect on Friday, Nov. 7—just two days after the FAA flight reduction announcement.
In short, a messy travel weekend may be ahead. Here’s what you can do now to avoid being stranded—or at least make the experience a little smoother.
Know Which Airports Are Reducing Flights
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is one of 40 major airports affected by FAA flight reductions.
getty
Knowing whether you’re flying through an affected airport could give you a sense of how likely you are to experience delays, cancellations, or schedule changes in the coming days. According to the FAA, 40 airports are directly affected by government shutdown-related flight reductions. This includes some of the busiest airports in the country, including:
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- All three major New York City-area airports (JFK, LGA, EWR)
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
While the FAA has yet to share an official list of all impacted airports, Delta Air Lines has published its own list of cities that are affected by the new directive.
But even if your departure or arrival airport isn’t on the list, ripple effects from reduced air traffic could still lead to delays or cancellations elsewhere in the network. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby issued a memo to employees on Wednesday indicating that its schedule reductions will be focused “on regional flying and domestic mainline flights that do not travel between our hubs,” rather than long-haul international routes and hub-to-hub flying. So if you’re departing or arriving in a small regional airport, you may be even more likely to face a travel disruption, at least on United.
Check Your Flight Status Early And Often
Check your flight status early and often as the FAA flight reductions take effect.
getty
Travel schedules are in flux as carriers adjust to the FAA’s mandate to reduce flights. If you’re flying as the FAA flight reductions take effect, check your flight status early and often on your airline’s app, and keep an eye out for notifications via email or text. You can also track flights and airport disruptions on third-party tools and apps, like FlightAware, Flightradar24, or the FAA’s National Airspace System Status, which sometimes update faster than airline apps. FlightAware also runs MiseryMap, a visualization of flight delays and cancellations at major U.S. airports that’s updated in real time.
Another way to keep tabs on your flight is simply by Googling the flight code. It will show you the status at the top of search results, as well as other important information, like the departure gate.
Know Your Options if Your Flight Gets Delayed or Cancelled
Act quickly if your flight gets delayed or cancelled during the government shutdown.
Getty Images
If you notice a delay or cancellation, act quickly—rebooking options may disappear fast as other travelers scramble to adjust to their own travel disruptions. Your airline may automatically rebook you on the next flight that has seats available or you may need to work with a customer service representative to find another alternative. In some cases, you may be able to change the flight your airline rebooked you on to a more convenient alternative via its app or website.
If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, you may be entitled to a refund of your ticket price under Department of Transportation (DOT) protections, which are still in effect during the government shut down. This includes a full refund (not a voucher) if the airline cancelled the flight for any reason and you choose not to travel.
Consider Adjusting Your Travel Plans
If you have non-essential travel planned in the coming days, you might want to consider postponing your trip. Several airlines have already offered accommodations like penalty-free cancellations and travel change fee waivers to passengers who may be affected by the FAA flight delays and cancellations.
Travelers who must travel while the flight reductions are in effect should make a back-up plan.
“If you are headed to a wedding, funeral or something you must be somewhere for in the next few days—given the risk of flights cancelling I would suggest passengers buy a backup ticket on another carrier that departs after the first ticket,” said Frontier CEO Barry Biffle in an Instagram post. “That way if your flight cancels you have an immediate backup.”
Other back-up transportation options may include travel by rental car or train—both of which are likely to book up quickly as flight cancellations increase, leaving fewer last-minute alternatives for stranded travelers. In other words, plan ahead and give yourself as many options as possible.
Plan for Crowds, Delays, and Last-Minute Changes
Airports may be more crowded than usual as travelers navigate FAA flight reductions and cancellations.
Getty Images
Travelers should also prepare for an overall slowdown in airport operations. Fewer flights don’t necessarily mean smoother travel. Air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and other airport staff have been working unpaid since the government shutdown began on Oct. 1. The financial strain has led some to call out sick or seek temporary second jobs to make ends meet, further compounding staffing shortages and operational delays, per NPR. So even if your flight looks like it’s departing as scheduled, be sure to arrive at the airport earlier than usual and expect last-minute changes.
Avoid checking in luggage and go carry-on, instead. That way, if you face an unexpected travel disruption, you’ll have your essentials with you, which makes it easier to change flights or switch airlines without waiting for checked bags to catch up. No matter what, keep your most important items—like medication, keys, and passports—with you throughout your journey. It’s also a good idea to pack a portable charger, snacks, water, a change of clothing, and anything else you’d want if you end up at the airport for longer than you expect.
Another tip: Check if your credit cards or frequent flyer status include access to airport lounges. They’re much more comfortable places to ride out a long delay than at the busy gates.
With the FAA’s new limits set to ripple through the nation’s airspace in the coming days, flexibility and preparation will be key. Avoid travel if you can, but if you have somewhere you need to be, keep your plans as flexible as possible, travel light, build in extra time, and brace yourself for a challenging travel weekend.
