Travelers will have fewer flight options within the U.S. starting Friday as the Federal Aviation Administration imposes schedule cuts at 40 major airports to ease the strain on air traffic controllers during the record-long government shutdown.
The head of the agency says the move is unprecedented but necessary to keep people safe as staffing shortages and unpaid work increasingly take a toll on the controllers.
Most of them worked six days a week and put in mandatory overtime even before the shutdown, but they have been doing so without paychecks as lawmakers fail to agree on a way to reopen the government.
Airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other airline hubs will be impacted, according to a list distributed to the airlines and obtained by The Associated Press. Hundreds of flights scheduled for Friday already were canceled as of late Thursday afternoon.
Passengers also could face delays and packed flights heading into the weekend and beyond.
Here’s what to know about the cutbacks — and what to do if your trip gets disrupted.
Is my airport on the list?
There’s a good chance it is. The list spans more than two dozen states.
It includes the nation’s busiest airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, as well as the main airports in Anchorage, Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Boston, and Anchorage.
In some metropolitan areas, including New York, Houston, Chicago and Washington, multiple airports will be impacted.
How long will this go on?
It’s hard to say. Even if the shutdown ends soon, the FAA has said it would not lift the flight restrictions until staffing at airport towers and regional air traffic center makes it safe to do so.
“It’s going to take time to work through this,” said Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble Travel, an association of travel agencies in the U.S. and Canada.
That’s why, he said, it’s important to plan ahead — whether you’ve already booked flights or you’re just starting to make holiday travel plans.
Passengers were expected to get notified by airlines on Thursday if their flights are canceled. But it’s a good idea to check your airline’s app or a flight-tracking site for updates before you leave for the airport.
Airlines say they are trying to minimize the impact on their customers, some of whom will see weekend travel plans disrupted with little notice. United Airlines, for example, says it would focus the cuts on its regional routes that use smaller planes.
My flight was canceled. Now what?
“Take a deep breath. Don’t panic,” Johnson said. “There are options available. They may not be ideal, and they may be inconvenient, but you have options.”
If you’re already at the airport, it’s time to get in line to speak to a customer service representative. While you’re waiting, you can also call or go online to connect to the airline’s reservations staff. It can also help to reach out on X because airlines might respond quickly there.
Now might also be the time to consider if it makes sense to travel by train, car or bus instead.
Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, said the shutdown is different from when a single airline is having problems and travelers can just pick another carrier. Shortages of air traffic controllers can create problems for entire airports and multiple airlines at once.
“The longer the shutdown drags on, it’s unlikely that there will be one airline running on time if the rest of the them are failing,” Potter said.
Can I get a refund or compensation?
U.S. airlines are not required to pay additional cash compensation or to cover lodging and meals for passengers who are stranded, even if a flight cancellation or a severe delay is the airline’s fault.
But United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines said they will offer refunds to passengers who opt not to fly while the FAA’s order is in place, even if they purchased tickets that aren’t normally refundable. Southwest Airlines said it would do the same through Wednesday.
You can also check the Department of Transportation’s website to see what your airline promises for refunds or other costs if your flight is canceled or delayed.
Should I just stay home for the holidays?
Not necessarily.
You might just need a little more planning and flexibility than usual. A travel adviser can help take some stress off your plate, and travel insurance may give you an extra safety net.
Johnson also warned that flights could sell out fast once the shutdown ends.
“There will be a flurry of booking activity,” he said. “So try to get ahead of it and make sure that you’re protected.”
Other tips
Travel light. Limiting baggage to a carry-on means one less airport line to deal with, and if your plans change unexpectedly, you’ll already have everything with you.
Be nice. Airline agents are likely helping other frustrated travelers, too, and yelling won’t make them more willing to help. Remember, the cancellations aren’t their fault.
“An extra ounce of kindness to yourself and to others at this time of year, with all of the disruptions, will go a long way,” Johnson said.
