Widespread flight delays and cancellations are impacting major airports nationwide as the government shutdown, now the longest in history, continues to drag on. Air traffic controller shortages have caused issues at numerous airports for more than a month, creating ripple effects across the entire travel network. In response to the crisis, the government has promised it will “reduce” air traffic at all major airports starting soon, an announcement that has spurred immediate concern among travelers. Several major US airlines, including Delta and United, are already waiving fees for customers who wish to change or cancel their plans ahead of these anticipated cuts. It is crucial for passengers to check with their specific carriers for the latest information on airline plans to mitigate the disruptions.
Remember a fundamental right in the United States: if an airline cancels your flight, you are legally entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. The Department of Transportation rules are clear on this, and if you are offered a credit, you have the right to refuse it and demand a monetary refund. With the busy holiday season approaching alongside looming shutdown-related cancellations, the competition for seats on open flights will likely be fiercer than normal, making swift action essential.
Proactive Steps Before Reaching the Airport
The best defense against travel disruptions begins long before you reach the airport. Experts universally advise checking your flight status from the comfort of your home or hotel room. Most notifications about significant delays or cancellations are not last-minute, so saving yourself the drive to an impacted airport is a crucial first step. In this uncertain climate, passengers must closely monitor their planned travel routes. It is also highly recommended to proactively purchase refundable tickets or travel insurance in case issues arise. Furthermore, given potential slowdowns, arriving at the airport extra early is advisable, as security and check-in wait times could be longer than usual.
To stay informed, travelers should immediately sign up for airlines’ text alerts and download the carrier’s app. You can also check the National Airspace System status provided by the Department of Transportation, where ground stops and air traffic control system announcements are listed, or simply input your airline and flight number directly into a Google search bar for status updates. Being quick to hop on waiver offers ahead of major disruptions is key, as those who act fast get the best choices for remaining seats and flights. For broader trends across the country, travelers can check the website FlightAware.
Urgent Tactics When Stuck at the Terminal
If you are already at the airport when a delay or cancellation is announced, act with urgency. Your first priority should be to quickly head to the airline agents’ desk. Since service is typically first-come, first-serve, positioning yourself close to the desk can pay off, as the first people served often get the best rebooking options. Simultaneously, while waiting in line, immediately call up your carrier’s customer service line. It might be significantly faster to reach a solution through a call center than in person. If you are having trouble getting through, try these alternative tactics Go to a self-serve kiosk, as advised by major carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines.
Use social media to your advantage by politely contacting the airline via platforms like X when calls are backed up, as suggested by the travel advice website Travel Lens. Try calling your carrier’s international call center, as domestic US numbers may have longer waits. When you finally reach an agent, whether on the phone or in person, remember that attitude and research matter.
Approaching the agent with kindness and sympathy is far more likely to yield positive results, and you should come prepared with alternate flight and route options you’ve already researched. Additionally, remember that cooperation between airlines is possible; many carriers have interline agreements allowing them to put you on another carrier’s flight to your destination, such as if Delta is interrupted but American is running a flight.
Knowing Your Rights and Securing Overnight Costs
If your flight is canceled and you cannot fly out until the next day, particularly when away from your home city, securing accommodation can be complicated. In the US, airlines are not legally required to provide a hotel room unless the cancellation or delay is considered “within the airline’s control,” such as maintenance or crew problems, as tracked by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Weather events or government shutdowns typically do not fall into this category. However, requirements are different in other regions. If your flight was departing from the UK, for instance, you would likely be automatically entitled to food and drink vouchers and accommodation under UK law, regardless of the airline, a situation detailed by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Regardless of the airline’s policy, you should book your flight directly with an airline for easier solutions, as third-party bookings complicate the process. Also, consider booking with a credit card, as many offer travel protections such as reimbursement for forced hotels and meals. If you have to pay for expenses yourself, keep every receipt and only spend what is reasonable for later claims. Finally, for those booking with frequent flyer miles, most US airlines now allow free cancellation up until departure, meaning you can book multiple alternate flights on different carriers using miles, but you must remember to cancel the unused flights to get your miles back, a strategy advised by Julian Kheel of Points Path.
