What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled During the US Government Shutdown
The federal government shutdown has entered its second week, and already shortages of air traffic controllers have strained operations and disrupted flights at several U.S. airports. Reagan National Airport is the latest to report delays, joining Chicago, Newark, Denver, Nashville, and Burbank (where the tower had to shut down for several hours).
Experts and union leaders warn that impacts could worsen significantly if the shutdown continues and employees start missing paychecks. Here’s what you need to know:
Before You Travel
- Check flight status before heading to the airport: Use your airline’s app or flight status websites
- Monitor the FAA website: Visit the FAA site to check for widespread delays at your airport
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on news developments, as a congressional deal could resolve the situation quickly
- Consider alternatives: Evaluate if train, car, or bus travel might be more reliable for critical trips
If Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled
Immediate Steps
- Find another flight: If already at the airport, get in line for customer service while simultaneously:
- Calling the airline’s reservation line
- Using the airline’s app or website
- Reaching out via social media (airlines often respond quickly on X, formerly Twitter)
- Know your rebooking options:
- Airlines will rebook you at no additional charge
- Current non-peak travel season improves chances of finding seats
- Holiday season travel may face longer waits for rebooking
- Consider system-wide impacts: Unlike single-airline issues, shutdown problems affect entire airports at once
- “As these problems expand and spread the longer the shutdown drags on, it’s unlikely that there will be one airline running on time if the rest of them are failing” – Kyle Potter, Thrifty Traveler
Know Your Rights
- Getting placed on another airline:
- Airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight
- Major airlines (except Southwest and discount carriers) may place you on partner airlines
- This option can be hit or miss
- Refunds:
- If you no longer want to take the trip, airlines are legally required to refund your money, even for non-refundable tickets
- You’re entitled to refunds of bag fees, seat upgrades, and other extras you didn’t use
- Insist on a refund to your payment method, not airline vouchers (which may expire)
- Compensation limitations:
- U.S. airlines are not required to pay additional compensation or cover lodging/meals for stranded passengers
- A Biden administration proposal that would have required such compensation was scrapped
- Check the Department of Transportation website for each carrier’s specific commitments
- Travel insurance:
- May help if purchased when booking or provided by your travel credit card
- Check fine print to see if worker shortages causing flight disruptions are covered
The current government shutdown, which entered its ninth day on October 9, 2025, is beginning to impact air travel across the United States. If you’re traveling during this period, here’s what you need to know and what actions to take if your flight is affected:
Understanding the Current Situation
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers are working without pay as “essential employees.”
- Staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities have led to flight delays at several major airports including Chicago’s O’Hare, Houston, Newark, and Las Vegas.
- Some airport towers, like Burbank’s, have temporarily closed due to staffing issues.
- The longer the shutdown continues, the more likely these issues are to worsen and spread to additional airports.
If Your Flight Is Delayed
- Check flight status before heading to the airport: Use your airline’s app or website for the most up-to-date information.
- Arrive early: Security lines may be longer than usual due to potential TSA staffing issues.
- Use airline alerts: Sign up for text or email notifications from your airline to receive immediate updates.
- Know your rights: While airlines aren’t required to provide compensation for delays caused by government actions, many will rebook you at no additional cost.
- Be patient with staff: Remember that TSA agents and air traffic controllers are working without pay during this difficult time.
If Your Flight Is Canceled
- Act quickly: If your flight is canceled, immediately get in line at customer service while also calling the airline’s customer service number.
- Know your options: Airlines typically offer three choices:
- Rebooking on the next available flight
- Rebooking on a different route
- Refund (even for non-refundable tickets if the airline cancels)
- Consider alternate airports: Be flexible about departure/arrival airports if you need to get to your destination urgently.
- Document everything: Keep records of all communications with airlines, especially if you incur additional expenses.
- Check your credit card benefits: Some credit cards offer trip delay or cancellation insurance that may cover extra expenses.
Planning Ahead
- Consider booking flights earlier in the day when possible, as delays tend to cascade throughout the day.
- Allow extra time between connecting flights given the current situation.
- Have a backup plan for critical travel.
- Monitor the news for updates on the shutdown and potential aviation impacts.
The situation remains fluid, with officials noting that while it’s still safe to fly, travelers should prepare for potential disruptions as the shutdown continues.
Additional Tips
- Use priority service: If traveling with someone who has higher airline loyalty status, call using their frequent flyer number for quicker service
- Try international support numbers: These often have shorter wait times
- Be patient with staff: Remember that the cancellation isn’t the agent’s fault, and being courteous will get better results
- Document everything: Keep records of all communications with airlines, especially if you incur extra expenses
