Key Highlights
- Airlines are reducing flight schedules at 40 high-traffic airports due to a 40-day government shutdown.
- Passengers whose flights are canceled will be eligible for refunds or no-fee rebookings, with some carriers offering additional waivers.
- Major airlines advise passengers to check directly with their carrier for the latest updates on travel restrictions.
- The situation is subject to change, and international flights remain unaffected by the shutdown.
Government Shutdown Impacts Air Travel
The U.S. Department of Transportation has ordered airlines to begin reducing flight schedules at 40 high-traffic airports by 10% as a government shutdown approaches its record 40th day. This move is aimed at alleviating the pressure on air traffic controllers, who are currently working without pay due to lapses in federal funding.
According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, these restrictions will start on November 6, 2025. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew must be maintained despite the fatigue affecting air traffic controllers.
Airlines’ Response
Main carriers have announced plans to implement schedule changes in the coming days. American Airlines stated that its initial schedule changes would result in around 220 flights being canceled daily, but it intends to continue operating approximately 6,000 daily flights overall.
United Airlines has issued a waiver for select flights departing between November 6 and 13, allowing passengers with non-refundable or basic-economy tickets to rebook on United flights without additional charges. The company’s policy also applies to passengers traveling within a specific window covering six days before and after their original travel date.
Other major carriers are advising passengers to stay flexible in their travel plans. Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle suggested that passengers book backup tickets on other airlines if they need to travel in the next few days, as flights might not be immediately available due to the scale of the disruption.
Passenger Eligibility and Rebooking Policies
Passengers whose flights are canceled due to the government shutdown will have the option to receive refunds or rebook their flights at no additional cost. Major airlines are required to automatically rebook passengers who choose not to accept a rebooked flight.
Several major carriers, including American Airlines and United, are waiving change fees for passengers looking to switch their flights on their own. However, these waivers come with certain conditions, such as specific travel windows or limitations on the type of tickets covered.
Travel Insurance Considerations
The impact of the shutdown on travel insurance policies is unclear. Passengers may face difficulties in making claims if they purchased a policy after October 1, 2025. Most carriers would likely consider the shutdown as a “foreseeable event” for which it would be challenging to make a claim.
Travelers could purchase a “canceled for any reason” policy, but these typically cost around $56 per day, approximately 50% more than comprehensive coverage plans. A passenger may also be covered if the airline declares the shutdown as a common carrier delay.
Conclusion
The U.S. government shutdown is causing significant disruptions in air travel for the upcoming period. Passengers are advised to monitor their flight status and stay informed about their carriers’ refund and rebooking policies, which may change due to the evolving situation. The impact of this disruption on air traffic and passenger convenience remains uncertain as the government continues to operate without a budget agreement.
