If you’re planning a trip in the near future, you may notice fewer options on the departure board at the airport.
Airlines are cutting back dozens of flights Major airports in the United States To reduce pressure on air traffic controllers. work without pay and is under intense strain during the ongoing government shutdown.
The Federal Aviation Administration stated the following regarding the decision: It is necessary To protect the safety of travelers. Although many air traffic controllers work long hours and compulsory overtime, Lawmakers are at an impasse. About how to restart the government.
Major hub cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are also affected, and the ripple effect could mean more cancellations, longer delays and full flights for travelers across the United States. The cuts will affect hundreds, if not thousands, of flights each day.
Here’s what you need to know about the FAA’s order and what you can do if your plans are disrupted.
Is my airport on the list?
There’s a good chance that’s the case. list It spans over 20 states.
This includes Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, the nation’s busiest airport, and major airports in Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco and Salt Lake City.
Multiple hubs in some metropolitan areas, including New York, Houston, Chicago and Washington, will be affected.
How long will this last?
It’s hard to say. The FAA said it would not lift flight restrictions even if the shutdown ended soon. Up to staffing They are installed in airport towers and regional air traffic centers to ensure safe flight.
“It’s going to take time to resolve this issue,” said Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble Travel, a group of U.S. and Canadian travel companies.
That’s why it’s important to plan ahead, whether you’ve already booked your flights or are just starting to plan your vacation, he said.
Know before you go
The airline says it will notify customers if a flight is cancelled.
Still, it never hurts to check your airline’s app or flight tracking site for updates before heading to the airport. It’s better to be stuck at home or in a hotel than to be stuck in a terminal.
My flight was canceled. Well, what is it?
“Take a deep breath. Don’t panic,” Johnson said. “There are options available. It may not be ideal, it may be inconvenient, but there are options.”
If you’re already at the airport, it’s time to get in line to speak to a customer service representative. While you wait, you can contact the airline’s reservations staff by phone or online. It can also be helpful to reach out on social platform X, as the airline may be able to respond quickly.
It may also be time to consider whether it makes sense to travel by train, car or bus instead.
Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, said a closure is different than when a single airline is at fault and travelers can choose another airline.
“The longer the shutdown goes on, the less likely it is that any airline will be on time if the remaining airlines go bankrupt,” Potter said.
Can I receive a refund or compensation?
The FAA says airlines must issue full refunds. However, the Department of Transport says that unless the delay or cancellation is within its control, there will be no need to cover additional costs such as meals or hotel accommodations.
You can also check the DOT website. What airlines promise Refunds or other costs if your flight is interrupted.
Is it okay to just stay home on holidays?
Not necessarily. It may require a little more planning and flexibility than usual.
A travel advisor can help reduce your stress, and travel insurance may provide an additional safety net.
Mr Johnson also warned that tickets could sell out quickly once the closure ends.
“We’re going to see a rush of booking activity,” he said. “So try to be proactive and make sure you are protected.”
Tyler Hosford, director of security at risk mitigation firm International SOS, says booking an early flight also helps. Even in the event of a cancellation, it will take a “full day” of time to resolve things.
Other tips
travel light. Limiting your luggage to a carry-on means one less time waiting at the airport, and if your plans change unexpectedly, you already have everything on hand.
Please allow extra time at the airport if you are particularly concerned, traveling with young children, or need special assistance with transportation.
And please be kind. Airline representatives are also likely helping other frustrated travelers, and yelling at them won’t make them more willing to help. Remember, the cancellation is not their fault.
“During this time of all the turmoil, a little bit of kindness to yourself and others can go a long way,” Johnson said.
