Up to 40% of flights could be delayed this weekend from FAA cuts. What to do if you have to travel.

By Charles Passy

Travelers are bracing for a worst-case scenario. Airlines say they will be flexible when it comes to passengers changing or canceling their plans.

Passengers go through TSA checkpoints at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. A nationwide staffing shortage of air-traffic controllers has led to many flight delays since the government shutdown on Oct. 1, and now the Federal Aviation Administration says it will be cutting traffic by 10% at 40 major airports because of the situation.

Your travel plans may soon be up in the air.

With the news that the Federal Aviation Administration will be cutting traffic by 10% at 40 major airports starting Friday because of the ongoing government shutdown, flight delays and cancellations are widely anticipated. The affected airports across more than two dozen states include all three major ones in the New York City area, plus those in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Francisco, according to reports.

But travel experts warn that it's not just about the specific airports involved. Once a flight is delayed or canceled, it ripples throughout the entire system, potentially leaving passengers in limbo throughout the country. Paul Bernardini, head of marketing for Flighty, a travel app, warns that up to 40% of flights could be delayed as a result of the FAA reductions.

And Bernadini says travelers may be facing some tough choices about whether to fly or not in the days ahead.

"They have to make a call: Do they need to go?" he said.

Up to 40% of flights could be delayed as a result of the FAA reductions.

Those who are planning to travel are already preparing for problems.

"I'm packing my patience," said Jamie Haley, a marketing consultant based in Palm Springs, Calif. She's planning to travel Friday to Toronto for a friend's wedding, with a layover in Phoenix.

Haley says she is glad she built in some extra time to get to her destination, adding she's willing to stay in Toronto an extra day if her return flight is delayed or canceled. But she's not happy about the potential issues she could face. "I'm expecting a worst-case scenario," she said.

Not that airlines are leaving passengers in the dark. Most have indicated they expect flights to operate normally, but they say they will keep passengers informed by email or text, or through their app.

Delta Air Lines (DAL) said it "will work to minimize customer impact while keeping safety our top priority." American Airlines (AAL) said it will "proactively reach out to customers who are impacted."

Travelers could be entitled to refunds

The big question, however, is what happens if things go awry, resulting in a significant delay or cancellation. Airlines are generally saying that they will be flexible about refunds and other types of assistance, but experts always advise checking with individual carriers for their specific policies.

Delta said it will allow customers "to change, cancel or refund their flights, including our basic economy fares, without penalty." Frontier (ULCC) said, "Customers whose flights are canceled or delayed for more than 3 hours (domestic flights) or 6 hours (international flights) are able to rebook or to request a refund."

To some degree, federal policy dictates this. That is, if an airline cancels a flight or makes a significant change, travelers are entitled to a full refund if they choose not to fly. The U.S. Transportation Department says this rule applies regardless of the reason for the cancellation or change.

Travelers facing a delay or cancellation may also be able to switch to another airline. Some carriers will accommodate this, but policies vary widely.

Travel insurance is an option

Travel insurance can be an option as well. But a lot depends on what type you purchase.

"Standard insurance policies usually do not cover delays or cancellations that result from government shutdowns," said Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, a company that specializes in insurance solutions.

That's why he and others suggest considering what's known as a "cancel for any reason" policy. As its name implies, it offers far more robust coverage. But such a policy may have its own limitations, such as refunding only 50% to 75% of the trip costs.

And what if you're stranded for hours on end because of delays and cancellations, and have to pay for food or lodging? Most airlines will cover food when the situation results in a wait of more than three hours, according to the Transportation Department. And many will cover lodging if the issue results in having to stay overnight.

It could be time to ride the rails

Of course, you can also opt to travel by train or bus - or drive to your destination when all else fails.

Amtrak, the national rail provider, told MarketWatch over email that it's "reasonable to expect" more passengers packing into its trains if the flight delays and cancellations become pervasive. "In the meantime, we encourage travelers to book now and early for guaranteed reservations," Amtrak added for those who decide to ride the rails instead.

Amtrak has also indicated it's expecting its busiest Thanksgiving season ever, with double-digit growth in early bookings compared with 2024. And it's encouraging travelers to buy their tickets "before they sell out."

Or scrap your travel plans altogether

Experts also advise that it's important to consider the particulars of who you're traveling with when assessing your plans. You may be willing to deal with delays or switch modes of transportation, but that may not apply to the rest of your party.

Paul Whitten, founder of Nashville Adventures, a tour operator, says this is all the more true when traveling as a family with young children. And given the potential headaches that we are looking at in the days ahead, he says it may be best to scrap travel plans altogether.

"As adults we can roll with the punches and come out with a great story afterwards," Whitten said. "Babies ... not so much."

Genna Contino and Nicole Lyn Pesce contributed to this story.

-Charles Passy

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11-06-25 1616ET

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