Hey Reader,
Air travel in the U.S. remains in crisis even as Congress moves to end the government shutdown. The FAA has ordered airlines to reduce flights by 10 percent at 40 major airports, resulting in more than 2,000 cancellations and 7,000 delays recorded on Sunday alone. Controllers have been working without pay for six weeks, and up to 20 are retiring daily, worsening the staffing shortage.
TSA lines at major hubs now exceed two hours, and several checkpoints have temporarily closed. Even after the shutdown ends, the FAA’s flight reduction order will stay in effect until staffing stabilizes, meaning disruptions will continue well beyond this week.
You can still fly. However, if you’re traveling soon or even just thinking about booking, now is the time to adjust your travel plans.
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✈️ If You’re Flying in the Next Few Days
- Check your flight status frequently: Look up your flight before leaving home and again when you arrive at the airport. Use your airline’s app and the FAA’s Air Traffic Status page for real-time information.
- Arrive extra early: For now, plan to arrive at least three hours before domestic flights and four hours before international flights. TSA checkpoints are short-staffed at multiple airports, and security lines have stretched to two hours or more in places like Houston and Atlanta.
- Download the MyTSA app: It provides live wait times at checkpoints nationwide, which helps you gauge when to leave for the airport.
- Rebook quickly if things go south: If your flight is canceled, use every option you can, including the app, phone, and in-person help desk. Stay in line while rebooking online. International call centers often have shorter hold times than those in the U.S.
- Know your refund rights: If the airline cancels your flight and you decide not to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund to your original payment method, including bag fees and seat upgrades.
- Keep essentials in your carry-on: Always pack medications, a change of clothes, chargers, and any travel documents with you. Checked bags are at higher risk of missing flights during disruptions.
- Watch for waivers: Airlines like Delta, United, and Southwest have posted temporary travel waivers. These allow free rebooking or changes if your route is affected by FAA cuts.
- Watch for updated airline policies: Major airlines are expanding flexibility for travelers affected by shutdown-related flight cuts. Many are now offering full refunds, no-fee changes, or travel credits, even for basic economy fares. Check your airline’s waiver or policy page before you head to the airport to confirm your options.
🧭 If You Have Flights Booked in the Coming Weeks
- Enable alerts and notifications: Turn on text and email updates from your airline now. It’s the fastest way to learn about changes before they're implemented.
- Avoid tight connections: Opt for longer layovers or nonstop flights whenever possible. Delays at one airport can snowball through the system.
- Fly early in the day: Morning flights face fewer rolling delays, and earlier departures give you more rebooking options if plans fall apart.
- Keep your plans flexible: If you’re booking hotels or tours, choose refundable rates. The same goes for rental cars. Flexibility gives you leverage when schedules change.
- Review your travel insurance or card benefits: Many credit cards offer reimbursement for meals and hotels if your flight is delayed by more than a few hours. Check your benefits page before you go.
- Monitor your departure airport: The FAA’s cuts aren’t uniform. Some hubs are hit harder than others. Smaller airports may also experience knock-on delays due to reduced capacity at major hubs.
📅 If You’re Planning a Trip or Debating When to Book
- Decide how essential the trip is: For vacations or non-urgent travel, consider waiting until the system stabilizes. For work or family commitments, build in flexibility wherever you can.
- Book smart, not cheap: Skip basic economy fares for now. They’re the hardest to change and usually nonrefundable. Choose standard economy or fares that include free changes.
- Add a buffer day: If your plans hinge on an event such as a cruise, wedding, or conference, aim to arrive at least one day early. You’ll protect yourself from cascading delays.
- Compare alternate airports: Smaller regional airports might face fewer staffing issues and shorter lines. Check the FAA’s Air Traffic Status map before deciding where to fly from.
- Be ready to pivot: If the shutdown continues, routes and schedules may change daily. Booking with airlines that have flexible policies or mileage tickets makes it easier to shift plans.
🕐 What to Expect at Airports Right Now
TSA staffing is stretched thin, with lines exceeding two hours at some major hubs. The FAA’s air traffic reductions will continue to cause rolling delays, especially at large airports such as Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Los Angeles.
Security checkpoints and baggage counters may close intermittently due to reduced staffing. Many airports are advising passengers to check their social media channels on the day of their flight for real-time updates.
Most airlines are focusing their limited resources on long-haul and major hub-to-hub routes, which help keep their overall networks running smoothly. These flights are less likely to be cut than regional or short-haul connections. If your plans allow, booking through or between major airports may reduce your risk of cancellations compared to smaller regional routes.
Patience and preparation go further than frustration right now. Expect changes, pack snacks, and bring something to keep you occupied during the wait.
🧳 What to Expect After the Shutdown
Even when the shutdown ends, normal operations will not return overnight. The FAA has confirmed its flight reduction order will remain in place until staffing levels and safety thresholds are met. Based on past disruptions, it could take weeks or even up to two months for the system to fully stabilize.
Airlines will need time to reposition planes, reset crew schedules, and clear rebooking backlogs. TSA checkpoints may also remain short-staffed while pay and scheduling systems catch up. The first few days after operations resume will likely bring continued cancellations and long lines, before conditions start to improve.
If you’re planning to travel in mid to late November or over the holidays, expect higher fares, limited seat availability, and lingering congestion at major hubs.
📱 Tools That Can Help
These tools can make a stressful situation more manageable. They help you track delays, monitor airport conditions, and understand your rights when things don’t go as planned.
Track Flights and Delays
FAA Air Traffic Status: Displays live flight delays, cancellations, and air traffic flow updates across U.S. airports.
FAA Airport Delay Map: Provides a color-coded visual of nationwide airport delays.
FlightAware Live Airport Delays: Tracks live departure and arrival delays, including airport-specific disruption data.
Security and Checkpoints
MyTSA App: Shows live checkpoint wait times, TSA PreCheck lane availability, and travel rules.
Refunds and Passenger Rights
DOT Refund Rights: Explains when travelers are entitled to a refund and outlines the process for requesting one.
DOT Airline Commitments Dashboard: Compares how each airline handles cancellations, rebooking, and passenger compensation.
Airline Travel Alerts, Waivers, and Travel Policies
✨Always check for updates before you fly. Policies can change daily during disruptions.
Flight disruptions are never convenient, but being prepared can save your trip and your sanity. Check early, pack smart, and stay flexible. The system will recover, but until then, the travelers who stay calm and plan ahead will handle it best.
If you’re flying soon, how are you preparing for the delays? Reply and share what you’re doing differently this time. ✈️
To a life well-traveled,
Kevin