What we know and don't know about the FAA cuts as Thanksgiving travel looms

WASHINGTON – Have a flight to catch for a family wedding over the weekend? A work conference next week? Thanksgiving celebrations at the end of the month?  

As Americans brace for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, questions are swirling over how flight cuts expected at dozens of airports across the country could play out in the coming days and weeks. The Department of Transportation announced a reduction of flights at major airports as a result of the ongoing government shutdown.

The changes are aimed at alleviating stress on essential airport employees who have been working without pay, and ensuring flights remain safe. Since the shutdown began Oct. 1, tens of thousands of flights have been delayed because of widespread air traffic control shortages. Airlines say at least 3.2 million travelers have already been impacted by air traffic control shortages.

Details are still emerging over exactly what the new flight restrictions will mean for airline travelers. 

Here’s what we know so far and don't know yet. Be sure to check back for updates – we’ll keep you posted as we learn more. 

Why is the FAA cutting flights? What airports are affected?  

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that 40 major airports will see a 10% cut in flights, starting the morning of Nov. 7. The FAA capacity reductions at airports will ramp up from 4% to 10% over a series of days, the FAA said. Airports across the country, including in major hubs like New York City, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago and Los Angeles, are impacted.  

Philip Mann, an aviation expert and former Federal Aviation Administration training manager, said smaller airports not on the list could also see delays and cancelations. "Reduction is going to ripple through the system," Mann said, noting that a reduction in flights arriving at one airport will cause a reduction in flights leaving others.

Check the full list to see if your airport is affected. 

What flights will be canceled?  

Airlines and the FAA are still working to reorganize flight schedules in light of the announced reductions. Duffy said in his Nov. 6 announcement that cancellations would be aimed at "alleviating pressure" and would not be based on airports with the most flights. The FAA also said it plans to exempt international flights.

But it is still unclear exactly which domestic flights will be canceled. Some airlines have said they plan to release rolling updates to their schedules and recommend passengers regularly check their flight information for updates.  

Will I get a refund if my flight is canceled?  

The Department of Transportation mandates airlines to refund the price of a ticket in situations where the airline is responsible for canceling, delaying or changing a flight. In cases where the FAA is responsible for the cancelation, airline carriers don’t have to offer much.

But if your flight is canceled for any reason, including a shortage of air traffic controllers, you can ask for a refund if you choose not to take an alternative flight offered by the airline.

Several airlines have also announced policies to assist customers impacted by government shutdown-related cancellations.

Delta Airlines said it will allow all directly impacted customers to change or cancel their flights without penalty, including travelers who booked non-refundable basic economy tickets.

United Airlines said it would refund any customer who did not want to fly while the flight restrictions were in place, regardless of whether their flight is impacted.

Is it safe to fly during the shutdown?  

Yes. Despite concerns about staffing issues at airports during the government shutdown, experts have stressed that airline travel remains safe.  

Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are essential government workers and are required to show up to work during the shutdown, even though they don’t receive paychecks. When those workers don’t show up to work, that’s when you get flight delays and longer security lines.  

Federal Aviation Administrator Bryan Bedford said the agency has seen "some evidence that fatigue is building in the system" as the shutdown drags on during a Nov. 5 news conference. The cuts, he said, are designed to relieve pressure from air traffic controllers who are covering longer hours and working more days. 

How long will this last? Will it impact Thanksgiving travel?

The short answer: We don't know. With Thanksgiving in three weeks, airports and airline passengers are preparing for one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. But it’s unclear how long the flight cuts will be in place.  

Duffy did not specify how long the restrictions might last or which airports would be impacted, but officials stated they will begin on Friday, Nov. 7. 

The Department of Transportation is implementing the cuts as a precaution due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has required air traffic controllers to work without pay for more than a month. 

President Donald Trump increased pressure on Congressional Republicans to end the shutdown, now the longest in history, after his party faced bruising loses in elections across the country Nov. 5.  

As of right now, however, Republicans and Democrats have not ironed out a deal to end the shutdown. And with no end in sight, it’s unclear how long the FAA cuts may last, or whether Thanksgiving travel could be impacted. 

Should I book air travel during the government shutdown?

That's a matter of personal preference, experts say.

"What I recommend is that people really consider what they're flexibility might be because there are going to be flights canceled and flights are going to get moved and shifted around," Mann, the aviation expert, said. "If you are really constrained timewise, if the risk of having a flight canceled is going to destroy your job or is going to make you miss an interview or something, you might want to make a personal risk assessment."

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributing: Kathryn Palmer, Kathleen Wong and Zach Wichter, USA TODAY; Reuters

Karissa Waddick, a reporter on USA TODAY's Nation desk, can be reached at [email protected].