Travelers can expect fewer flights to many major U.S. cities starting Friday morning as the Federal Aviation Administration says it will reduce traffic. across 40 airports To reduce the burden on national air traffic controllers.
The FAA Administrator said: It was an unprecedented move However, it is necessary to keep air travel safe. Air traffic controllers, federal employees, are showing increasing signs of stress and fatigue as they work without pay during the longest government shutdown on record.
Most of them were working six days a week and doing mandatory overtime before the shutdown, but they continue to work without pay because lawmakers have not reached an agreement on how to reopen government agencies.
According to reports, airports in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, as well as hub airports across the United States, are among the 40 airports to be cut. list It was distributed to airlines and obtained by The Associated Press.
Here’s what you need to know about flight reductions and what to do if your trip is delayed or canceled.
Have you heard from the airline?
Passengers should start receiving cancellation notices starting Thursday. The airline says it is working to keep infections to a minimum. Impact on customersFor some, their weekend travel plans may be interrupted without notice.
United Airlines said the cuts would focus on smaller regional routes using smaller aircraft.
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines said they will offer refunds to passengers who choose not to fly, even if they purchased tickets that are normally non-refundable.
Is my airport on the list?
The affected airports are in more than 20 states across the country. This includes Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, the busiest airport in the United States, as well as major 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 affected.
Check before going to the airport
It’s better to be stranded at home or in a hotel than to be stranded in an airport terminal, so before heading to the airport, use your airline’s app or airline website to make sure your flight is still in operation. this FAA site You can see if there are widespread delays at the airport.
My flight was canceled. Well, what is it?
If you’re already at the airport, find another flight. Get in line to speak with a customer service representative and connect with the airline’s reservations staff by phone or online. It may also be helpful to contact X as the airline may be able to help you quickly.
Fortunately, early November is not peak travel time, so travelers have a good chance of securing seats on other planes. But with the busy holiday season just weeks away, passengers may have to wait days to secure a seat on a new flight.
Consider other travel options
Now might be the time to consider whether it makes sense to travel by train, car or bus.
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. A shortage of air traffic controllers can cause problems for entire airports and multiple airlines at the same time.
“As these problems grow and spread, the longer the shutdown goes on and the remaining airlines go bankrupt, the less likely it is that any of them will be able to fly on time,” Potter said.
Can I receive compensation?
U.S. airlines are not required to pay additional cash compensation or cover lodging and meals for stranded passengers, even if the flight cancellation or significant delay is the airline’s fault.
The Biden administration is proposed a rule That would have changed the situation, requiring airlines to pay passengers for delays and cancellations in more circumstances, with proposed compensation ranging from about $200 to a maximum of $775. But the Trump administration I threw it away last monthand the airline praised his actions.
However, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a site where consumers can check: Commitments made by each carrier Coverage for refunds and other costs if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
Other tips
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.
Travel insurance can also be helpful if you buy it when you book or use a travel credit card that offers the product, but Potter says you shouldn’t assume you’ll be covered even if you have insurance. Check the fine print to see if this applies to you if flights are disrupted due to staff shortages.
When many flights are canceled, airline agents can quickly become overwhelmed with requests. If you’re traveling in a group with someone who has a higher status in an airline’s loyalty program, call using that airline’s frequent flyer program number. You may receive faster service.
You can also try calling the airline’s international support number. This number is usually listed online and may result in shorter wait times.
