The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an unprecedented directive on Friday. The agency mandated a 4% reduction in air flight operations, effective Friday, Nov. 7, but is expected to increase to 6% by Tuesday, Nov. 11, 8% by Thursday, Nov. 13, and finally 10% by Friday, Nov. 14 if the federal government shutdown continues.
The move affects 40 U.S. airports, from Atlanta to Chicago, Denver to Los Angeles, and New York to Washington, D.C., and comes in the wake of a 38-day government shutdown, currently the longest in history. The shutdown has forced tens of thousands of essential aviation workers, particularly air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, to continue working for next to no pay, resulting in increased fatigue and staffing shortages.
“In my 35-year history in the aviation market, I am not aware of any situation where we would have taken such an action,” FAA Administrator Brian Bedford said at a press conference Wednesday.
As flight reductions gradually increase, travelers can expect cascading disruptions such as increased cancellations, delays, reduced rebooking options and crowded gates, especially as the start of the Thanksgiving travel period approaches.
“This is likely to be one of the biggest disruptions in aviation history,” said Katie Nastro, a travel expert at Going, a flight trading app and newsletter.
How to know which flights will be canceled
If you plan to fly from one of the 40 affected busy airports, expect potential changes. That said, as of Friday, all major U.S. airlines have decided to reduce flights through the weekend. Here is the latest one.
american airlines
Meanwhile, American Airlines has waived change fees for flights to, from, or through 21 airports for travel scheduled through Nov. 14. “From Friday through Monday, we reduced our schedule by 4 percent at 40 airports, resulting in approximately 220 canceled flights per day,” American Airlines said in a statement. “Providing additional flexibility during the affected travel period, customers whose flights have been canceled for any reason, or who choose not to travel, will now be able to request a flight change or refund without penalty.”
delta airlines
Delta Air Lines reported Friday that it has completed all FAA-driven flight cancellations scheduled for Nov. 7-9 and issued travel rebooking options for flights to, from, or through 39 affected airports for travel through Nov. 21.
“We are providing additional flexibility for customers traveling to or through affected markets to change, cancel or refund flights, including Delta Main Fare fares, without penalty during this travel period,” the airline said, noting that the majority of scheduled flights, including all long-haul international service, will still operate.
united airlines
United Airlines has notified travelers that it has mandated flight cancellations from Friday, Nov. 7 through Sunday, Nov. 9. “United Airlines’ long-haul international flights are not affected, nor are flights between our hubs at Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Newark Liberty International Airport, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles,” the airline said.
A complete list of United Airlines flights that have been canceled to date is available online.
“If you’re traveling during this period and don’t want to fly, you can get a refund even if your flight isn’t affected. Refunds include non-refundable tickets and basic economy tickets,” United said in a statement.
Stay connected and informed
It is important to make sure your phone number and email are up to date in the airline’s system so that the airline can promptly notify you of changes or cancellations by text or email. Similarly, if you booked with a travel agent, make sure the airline has your contact information, not just the advisor’s. The sooner you learn that your flight has been affected, the more likely you are to rebook.
Do I need to cancel my flight in advance?
Brett Snyder, CEO of Cranky Concierge, which specializes in emergency air travel assistance, said he does not recommend that travelers cancel their tickets in advance.
“The reality is that airlines are not going to be very full over the next few weeks,” Snyder explained. “The pre-Thanksgiving period is typically quiet, so if flight cancellations are postponed, there should be room to reaccommodate most people onto other flights.”
He added that if a traveler’s original flight was among the canceled flights, they can decide whether to cancel based on whether the new option is suitable for them.
Snyder warned, “The bigger question is what happens if the shutdown extends into Thanksgiving, because that’s when planes are very full and that creates additional pain. Fortunately, we’ve seen[some airlines]allow anyone to cancel without penalty, regardless of fare rules. So if people are really feeling unduly stressed and don’t want to deal with this, there are options.”
Nastro said canceling plans is the only way to completely avoid disruption, so if you have the flexibility to travel, you may consider postponing.
Should I book a backup flight?
Travelers who are unable or unwilling to change their travel plans are encouraged to consider alternative plans.
“Short-haul regional flights are probably in jeopardy for airlines, so those who want to hop on quickly may want to consider flying with another airline as a backup plan,” Nastro said.
Jesse Neugarten, founder and CEO of Dollar Flight Club, said, “If you live near multiple airports, avoid risk. For example, in New York, book your main trip from JFK and keep miles of backup award tickets from Newark because you can cancel for free if all goes well. That flexibility gives you options if one airport faces staffing or weather issues.”
“And be sure to book on two different airlines, or your ‘duplicate reservation’ may be canceled by the airline,” says Gary Leff, publisher of the travel blog View from the Wing.
Use your miles to book your backup
Lev suggested using your miles to book a backup.
“There is no fee to cancel and redeposit points,” Lev says. “If your first flight is taking off, cancel your award ticket by the departure time of that flight. If that first flight is canceled or significantly delayed, you should receive a refund and be able to use your award (travel) alone.”
What if I haven’t purchased tickets yet?
If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, Tiffany Funk, travel expert and co-founder of point.me, says, “Your best bet is to give yourself some leeway (plan your trip at least a day or two before you actually need to get there) and book an early morning or late night flight when fewer flights are scheduled.”
What rights do I have if my flight is cancelled?
All major U.S. airlines are waiving change and cancellation fees during this period, even in basic economy.
If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed (more than 3 hours) due to this capacity reduction, you will receive the following benefits:
- There is no additional charge for rebooking on the same airline (or partner airline).
- If the airline is unable to provide a comparable alternative, a full refund will be provided in the original method of payment. Please note that you do not have to accept the voucher (unless you do not want to receive it for some reason, such as because it is worth more than the original fare). Airlines must issue refunds. This also applies to non-refundable Basic Economy tickets.
- In the case of significant delays, accommodation, meals, or additional compensation may be provided (although given that these delays are not the airline’s fault, the airline is unlikely to provide this additional assistance as it is not mandatory).
