What to know if your travel plans are impacted by the FAA’s flight cancellations

Air travel across the United States faces significant disruptions as airlines reduce flight schedules at dozens of major airports amid the ongoing government shutdown. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered these cutbacks to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers who have been working without pay and under increasing strain.

The restrictions affect some of the nation’s busiest transportation hubs, including airports in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport—the busiest in the country. Other major airports impacted include those in Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City, spanning more than two dozen states.

“The decision is necessary to ensure traveler safety,” according to FAA officials. Many air traffic controllers have been forced to work extended hours and mandatory overtime while the political impasse over reopening the government continues in Washington.

Industry analysts predict these reductions could affect hundreds, possibly thousands, of daily flights nationwide. The ripple effects are expected to result in more cancellations, extended delays, and fuller flights as airlines consolidate their operations to accommodate passengers.

Even if lawmakers reach an agreement to end the shutdown soon, the FAA has indicated that flight restrictions would remain in place until staffing levels at airport towers and regional air traffic centers return to safe operational levels.

“It’s going to take time to work through this,” said Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble Travel, an association representing travel agencies across the United States and Canada. He emphasized the importance of advance planning, whether for already booked travel or upcoming holiday trips.

For travelers caught in the disruption, airlines have committed to notifying customers about canceled flights. However, experts recommend checking airline apps or flight-tracking websites before departing for the airport to avoid becoming stranded at terminals.

If your flight is canceled, industry experts advise a measured approach. “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.”

Travelers facing cancellations should immediately contact customer service representatives, either in person at the airport or through airline reservation lines. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) may also provide quicker responses from airlines. Alternative transportation modes like trains, cars, or buses might be worth considering depending on your destination.

Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, noted that unlike situations where problems affect a single carrier, the shutdown’s impact is systemic. “The longer the shutdown drags on, it’s unlikely that there will be one airline running on time if the rest of them are failing,” Potter said.

According to FAA guidance, airlines must provide full refunds for canceled flights. However, they aren’t obligated to cover additional expenses like meals or hotel stays unless the disruption was within their control. The Department of Transportation website details specific airline policies regarding refunds and compensation for disrupted travel.

Despite the uncertainty, travel professionals aren’t recommending Americans abandon their travel plans entirely. Instead, they suggest building in extra flexibility, considering travel insurance, and possibly consulting with travel advisors to navigate the complications.

Johnson also cautioned that once the shutdown ends, available flights could sell out quickly as travelers rush to rebook. “There will be a flurry of booking activity,” he said. “So try to get ahead of it and make sure that you’re protected.”

Practical recommendations for travelers include booking early morning flights to allow time for rebooking if needed, traveling with only carry-on luggage to avoid checked baggage complications, allowing extra time at airports, and maintaining patience with airline staff.

“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 added, reminding travelers that airline employees are handling numerous frustrated customers and didn’t cause the cancellations.