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traveler Many major US cities can expect to see fewer flights starting Friday morning Federal Aviation Administration It said this would reduce traffic at 40 airports to reduce the burden on the country’s air traffic controllers.
head of FAA Said the move was unprecedented but necessary to keep air travel safe as traffic controllers, who are federal employees, show increasing signs of stress and fatigue while working unpaid during the longest government shutdown on record.
Most of them worked six days a week and mandatory overtime even before the shutdown, but they are doing so without pay as lawmakers have failed to agree on how to reopen the government.
Airports in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, as well as airports across the U.S., are among 40 airports that will have their flights cut, according to a list distributed to airlines and obtained by The Associated Press.
Here’s what you need to know about deductibles and what to do if your trip is delayed or canceled:
Will I hear from my airline?
Travelers should begin receiving notice of cancellations Thursday. Airlines Say they will try to minimize the impact on their customers, some of whom may see weekend travel plans disrupted with little notice.
United Airlines Said it would focus cuts on smaller regional routes that use smaller aircraft.
United, Delta Airlines and American Airlines said they would offer refunds to passengers who choose not to fly, even if they purchased tickets that normally are not refundable.
Is my airport on the list?
The affected airports include more than two dozen states across the country. These include the nation’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, as well as the major airports of 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, several airports will be affected.
Check before going to the airport
It’s better to be stuck at home or a hotel than stuck in an airport terminal, so before you head to the airport, use the airline’s app or flight website to make sure your flight is still on. This FAA site can be checked to see if your airport is experiencing massive delays.
My flight was cancelled. what now?
If you’re already at the airport, it’s time to find another flight. Get in line to speak to a customer service representative and call or go online to connect with the airline’s reservations staff. It can also help to reach X as the airlines there can respond quickly.
The good news is that early November is not peak travel time, so travelers have a better chance of getting seats on other flights. But the busy holiday season is just a few weeks away, and travelers may have to wait several days for a seat on a new flight.
Consider other travel options
Now is the time to consider whether traveling by train, car or bus is worth it.
Thrifty Traveler executive editor Kyle Potter said the shutdown is different from a situation where a single airline is having problems and travelers can choose another carrier. A shortage of air traffic controllers can cause problems for entire airports and multiple airlines at once.
“As these problems grow and spread, the longer the shutdown drags on, the more unlikely it is that a single airline will be able to stay afloat in time if all the others are failing,” Potter said.
Can I get compensation?
US airlines are not required to pay additional cash compensation or cover the cost of lodging and meals for stranded passengers, even if the flight cancellation or serious delay is the airline’s fault.
The Biden administration had proposed a rule that would have changed this and required airlines to pay passengers for delays and cancellations in more circumstances, offering compensation between about $200 and a maximum of $775. But the Trump administration ended it last month, and airlines praised them for doing so.
But the U.S. Department of Transportation has a site that lets consumers see the commitments each carrier has made to cover refunds and other expenses if a flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
Other Tips
It would be good. Airline agents are probably also helping other frustrated passengers, and yelling won’t make them more inclined to help. Remember, the cancellation is not their fault.
Travel insurance can also help if you purchased a policy when you booked or used a travel credit card that offers that product, but Potter said you shouldn’t assume you’ll be covered even if you have insurance. Check the fine print to see if you’re covered in situations when there is flight disruption due to labor shortage.
If many flights are cancelled, airline agents will soon be overwhelmed with requests. If you’re traveling in a group with someone who has a high status in the airline’s loyalty program, call using their frequent flyer number. You can get prompt service.
You can also try calling your airline’s international support number, which is usually listed online and may have shorter wait times.