The ongoing federal government shutdown has entered its second week, leading to shortages of air traffic controllers and disruptions at several major U.S. airports. Reagan National Airport reported delays due to staffing issues on Wednesday, joining other affected airports in Chicago, Newark, Denver, Nashville, and Burbank, California, where the control tower had to temporarily close.
Union leaders and experts warn that if the shutdown continues and employees begin missing paychecks, the situation could worsen significantly for both workers and travelers.
Travelers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport by using airline apps or flight websites. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also provides a site for monitoring widespread delays at airports.
Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, commented on the limited rights of passengers: “In the United States, Americans have shockingly few rights as travelers. When things go wrong, it’s really left up to the airline industry to decide what it means to do right by customers,” Potter said.
If a flight is canceled while at the airport, passengers should seek alternative flights by speaking with customer service representatives or contacting reservations staff online or by phone. Reaching out via social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) may also prompt a quick response from airlines. Airlines will rebook passengers on later flights without extra charges; however, with peak travel seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, securing seats may become more difficult.
While passengers can request bookings on another airline’s flight during disruptions, airlines are not required to comply unless policies permit it. Major carriers may accommodate such requests based on partnerships but results vary. Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, suggests researching alternate flights while waiting for assistance.
Travelers who choose not to continue their trip after a cancellation are entitled by law to a refund—even for non-refundable tickets—regardless of why the flight was canceled. “If the airline cancels your flight, you can say, ‘Alright. I will take a refund and get my money back,’ ” Potter said. “The important piece is that you get your payment returned to you. You’re not just settling for an airline voucher that may expire in a year or less.” Refunds must also include unused bag fees or seat upgrades.
U.S. airlines are not legally obligated to provide additional compensation such as cash payments or coverage for lodging and meals when cancellations occur—even if they are at fault. A proposed rule from the Biden administration would have changed this policy but was revoked last month under President Trump’s administration—a move supported by airlines.
Some travel insurance policies might offer coverage in these circumstances if purchased in advance or included through certain credit cards; however, Potter advises travelers review policy details closely since worker shortages may not be covered events.
Each airline maintains its own policies regarding refunds and expense coverage during cancellations or significant delays; these commitments can be reviewed on the U.S. Department of Transportation website.
Additional advice includes utilizing frequent-flyer program hotlines within groups for potentially faster service and considering international help numbers for itinerary changes when domestic lines are busy. Remaining courteous toward agents is recommended as they manage high volumes of frustrated customers amid widespread disruptions.
Should cancellations become more common due to staffing shortages—which remain critical even with minor absences—travelers might consider alternatives such as train or bus travel instead of flying when feasible.
Potter noted that this shutdown differs from isolated airline problems because entire airports face simultaneous operational challenges rather than issues confined to individual carriers.
