The Trump administration has implemented air traffic reductions at 40 of the nation's busiest airports, with the changes beginning on Friday and escalating over the subsequent week.
Rationale for Reductions
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that these measures aim to reduce pressure on air traffic controllers. These federal employees have been working without pay for over a month due to the government shutdown, which, at the time, was the longest in U.S. history.
Delays and disruptions have already occurred at airports nationwide due to staffing shortages. The new flight restrictions introduce additional operational considerations for air travel.
Nick Ewen, senior editorial director of The Points Guy, indicated that while the majority of flights are expected to operate, the reductions could lead to disruptions.
Cancellations on the initial Friday represented approximately a 4% reduction in flights. This figure was projected to increase to the FAA-mandated 10% (equivalent to about 4,400 daily flights) by the following Friday if the shutdown persisted.
Airline Responses and Affected Flights
Major U.S. airlines have communicated intentions to minimize disruptions and are offering customers increased flexibility for ticket changes or refunds, even for flights not yet canceled. Travelers flying during this period may need to adapt to potential schedule adjustments.
Factors influencing the likelihood of flight cancellations include aircraft size, passenger load, and specific routes. Airlines are reportedly prioritizing cancellations on routes where alternative transportation options exist to mitigate passenger impact.
United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines have stated that their international flights will not be affected. United also indicated no cancellations for flights operating between its seven hub airports: Newark, N.J., Chicago, Houston, Denver, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Some airlines have already posted flight changes, with some extending into the next week. These airlines report notifying passengers of affected flights through booking contact information, dedicated apps, and websites. Travelers are advised to download their airline's app and enable notifications for timely updates.
Passenger Options for Canceled Flights
For canceled flights, passengers are advised to rebook promptly using the airline's app, website, phone, or in-person at the airport. Early rebooking is suggested to potentially secure accommodations faster due to the high volume of affected passengers.
Alaska, Southwest, and JetBlue airlines have indicated that in most cases, customers on canceled flights will be automatically rebooked on the next available flight, although they retain the option to cancel for a refund.
Under Department of Transportation rules, customers on significantly delayed or canceled flights who decline an airline's rebooking option are entitled to a full refund, irrespective of the original ticket's restrictions. These regulations remain applicable.
Additionally, many airlines are providing options to cancel or rebook flights without incurring change fees.
- American Airlines is waiving change fees and offering refunds for affected passengers across all fare classes if their flight is canceled or if they choose not to fly.
- Delta is allowing all customers to change or cancel their flights for free in affected markets.
- United will refund those who cancel flights and waive change fees (and in some cases, fare differences) for those who rebook.
The specifics of these waivers may evolve. Passengers are advised to consult their airline's website for the most current policy details.
Considerations for Future Travel
Given the flight reductions, some passengers may consider altering their travel plans. Rescheduling may be an option for passengers with flexible plans, potentially reducing individual risk and freeing up airline capacity. Alternative travel methods, such as car or train, may also be considered.
Future travel, including during periods like Thanksgiving, presents considerations as the government shutdown continues. Current guidance suggests that existing Thanksgiving bookings do not warrant immediate cancellation, and new bookings can be made with an awareness of potential disruptions.
For unbooked Thanksgiving travel, securing plans soon is suggested, potentially with travel insurance or fully refundable tickets to mitigate risks from delays or cancellations.
Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute recommends comparing travel insurance policies from various providers. Standard policies typically range from 4% to 10% of a prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost; purchasing sooner is generally more cost-effective.
Standard travel insurance policies often include a "known event clause," which typically excludes coverage for events like government shutdowns if the policy is purchased after the event has commenced. Therefore, airline flexibility policies may be more relevant for addressing current disruptions.
Ewen indicated that a prolonged shutdown could extend the recovery period for flight operations.