The U.S. government shutdown has stretched into its second month, and air traffic controller shortages are straining operations nationwide — causing flight delays and cancellations at airports across the country.
Recent disruptions have hit major airports including Newark, Houston’s Bush Intercontinental, Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), and Chicago O’Hare, where passengers experienced waits ranging from 20 minutes to over three hours.
By Monday afternoon, more staffing-related delays were reported in Texas, including at Dallas Love Field, DFW, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The longest delays topped an hour at Love Field. Meanwhile, security lines lasting several hours were also seen at some airports.
Experts warn that if the shutdown continues, flight disruptions could escalate sharply as aviation staff continue working without pay. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Friday that nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been on duty for weeks without compensation.
Here’s what travelers need to know about their rights and how to handle flight delays or cancellations during the shutdown.
Check Before Going to the Airport
It’s always better to be stuck at home than stranded at the terminal. Before leaving, check your flight status through:
- Your airline’s mobile app or website
- Flight tracking sites like FlightAware or FlightRadar24
- The FAA’s real-time delay map, which shows airport-wide disruptions
Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, also advises travelers to watch the news closely. “If Congress breaks the deadlock, it could end much of the uncertainty surrounding air travel very quickly,” he said.
My Flight Was Canceled — Now What?
If you’re already at the airport, head to customer service immediately — but also:
- Call your airline’s reservations center while you wait
- Use social media (especially X/Twitter) to contact your airline; they often respond faster there
Most airlines will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost.
Since it’s currently a non-peak travel period, finding another seat may be easier. But as the holiday season approaches, availability will tighten, and passengers might have to wait days for new flights.
Consider Alternative Travel Options
If flight issues worsen, you might want to travel by train, car, or bus — though that’s not always practical.
Potter warns that this situation is unlike typical airline-specific disruptions:
“This isn’t one airline having problems — it’s the entire system under pressure,” he said. “If the shutdown drags on, every carrier will be affected.”
Can I Ask to Be Booked on Another Airline?
You can ask, but airlines are not required to place you on another carrier’s flight.
Some major airlines (except Southwest and most budget carriers) may rebook you with a partner airline, but results vary.
Jeff Klee, CEO of AmTrav, recommends researching alternate flights while waiting in line so you can quickly act on the best available option.
Am I Owed a Refund?
Yes — if your flight is canceled and you no longer wish to travel, the airline must refund you in full, even for non-refundable tickets.
This refund includes:
- The ticket price
- Any baggage fees, seat upgrades, or extras you didn’t receive
As Potter notes:
“If the airline cancels your flight, you can request your money back. Don’t settle for a voucher that expires in a few months.”
Can I Get Compensation?
Currently, U.S. airlines are not legally required to provide cash compensation, hotel stays, or meal coverage for delays or cancellations — even if the issue was the airline’s fault.
A proposal by the Biden administration would have changed this, requiring airlines to pay between $200 and $775 for significant disruptions. However, the Trump administration repealed that rule last month, and airlines praised the decision.
What Airlines Will Cover
Coverage varies by airline. You can check the U.S. Department of Transportation’s online dashboard to see what each carrier promises in cases of cancellations or lengthy delays.
Other Tips for Travelers
- Check your travel insurance. Some policies or premium credit cards cover cancellations — but read the fine print to confirm whether staffing shortages are included.
- Leverage elite status. If you’re traveling with someone who has frequent flyer status, use their account to call — higher-tier members often reach agents faster.
- Try international call centers. Airlines’ overseas numbers (listed online) sometimes have shorter wait times.
- Be polite. Remember: the gate or call center agent isn’t responsible for the cancellation. A kind attitude can go a long way in getting help quickly.
The Bottom Line
With the government shutdown continuing, travelers should expect ongoing flight disruptions, long lines, and delays.
Stay proactive — monitor your flight, know your rights, and have a backup plan ready. Above all, patience and preparation can help you navigate the turbulence until normal operations resume.
