American Airlines Faces Ongoing Cancellations as Shutdown Persists

(UNITED STATES) American Airlines canceled hundreds of flights this week and warned of more schedule cuts as the U.S. federal government shutdown squeezed air traffic staffing and slowed routine operations at major hubs. As of November 10, 2025, the carrier had canceled about 220 of roughly 6,000 daily departures, and said disruptions could extend into mid-November, with risks rising as Thanksgiving travel nears. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a 10% flight reduction at 40 of the busiest airports, citing limits on available personnel.

What passengers should know about cancellations and waivers

American Airlines is offering refunds and fee waivers to ease the strain on travelers affected by last-minute schedule changes. People whose flights are canceled, or who choose not to fly because of the rolling delays linked to the government shutdown, can:

• Rebook without a change fee, or
• Request a full refund.

The airline said it will process refunds automatically for customers who decline alternative arrangements, while urging passengers to check their flight status on its website or app.

Who qualifies and the time windows

The policy is time-bound and focused on tickets booked before the latest wave of disruption:

• The waiver applies to tickets purchased by November 5, 2025 for travel scheduled between November 7 and November 15.
• Travelers able to move their trips between November 6 and November 17 can shift without a penalty, provided:
  • Origin and destination remain the same, and
  • The new seat is in the same cabin (or any fare difference is paid).

The airline emphasized these steps are meant to keep people moving as schedules adjust day by day.

How to get a refund or rebook

Refunds are available through several channels:

• Online via American Airlines’ website or app
• Call Reservations
• Submit by mail

American notes cases will be handled even if call volumes spike and asked travelers to allow extra time as systems process high demand. Automatic processing will help clear the backlog for customers who do not accept a rebooked option.

Important deadline: Refunds must be requested by November 15, 2025. Travel must be completed within one year of the original ticket date, though the airline may extend that end date if shutdown-related disruptions persist.

For many worried about holiday plans, the option to request refunds now and travel later offers at least some control.

Long-haul routes and broader schedule impacts

• For long-haul international routes, American said schedules remain stable, with minimal changes expected — providing some relief to families and students traveling overseas.
• The greatest pressure remains on short-haul domestic legs, where reduced airport capacity and slot competition create cascading delays and missed connections.

The FAA’s directive to trim flights aims to keep safety margins intact while fewer trained staff are available. That order, now in place at 40 key airports, means airlines are competing for reduced slots, which typically affects morning banks and peak afternoon periods first, pushing delays into the evening.

Passenger rights and federal guidance

Under federal rules, if an airline cancels a flight or makes a major schedule change, passengers are entitled to a refund to their original form of payment.

The Department of Transportation explains these rights on its consumer page, a reference point during past crises:
– U.S. DOT Fly Rights

American’s current policy mirrors these protections and expands flexibility by waiving change fees within the stated waiver window.

Operational realities and traveler tips

Airports and crews face a delicate balance as the shutdown strains systems that depend on steady staffing. Even when a flight operates, gate changes, longer taxi times, or crew reassignments can slow the day.

American Airlines is:

• Proactively contacting customers with affected bookings
• Urging travelers to keep contact details up to date in their profiles
• Prioritizing safety and reliability while redrawing parts of its schedule to fit FAA caps

Practical tips for travelers:

1. Check your flight status often (website or app).
2. Accept earlier or later flights if available to improve chances of travel.
3. Keep origin and destination the same to avoid extra costs under the waiver.
4. Request a refund if you prefer certainty and meet the waiver rules.
5. Allow extra time for customer-service responses during high volumes.

VisaVerge.com notes that during past system-wide shocks, early movers had better luck finding workable alternatives — a pattern likely to repeat as Thanksgiving approaches.

Human stories and labor impacts

The timing is especially tough for families and workers reliant on stable schedules. For example, a Dallas-based teacher rebooked to an earlier date after receiving a schedule change notice; she said the waived fee removed the last hurdle, but she still worried about making a tight connection.

Airline labor groups are watching closely. Reduced traffic can temporarily ease pressure but often leads to crew reassignments with little notice, which can require extra checks and cause further delays. American said most long-haul international flights are holding steady, indicating the greatest pressure is on domestic corridors.

The bigger picture

The broader backdrop is the federal government shutdown, which affects multiple agencies and services across the United States 🇺🇸. In aviation, the FAA’s staffing and scheduling responsibilities are central to keeping traffic flowing, and a 10% reduction at major airports inevitably affects daily operations.

American, with around 6,000 daily departures in normal times, says it is adjusting to meet safety needs while trying to give customers clear choices: fly on a new schedule or seek refunds. That balance will shape the coming week as holiday travel demand climbs.

Key takeaway: Expect continued alerts, rolling cancellations, and busy customer-service lines. For certainty, the refund path may bring peace of mind. For those who must travel, frequent status checks, accepting alternate flights, and watching connection times can reduce stress.

American’s pledge to waive change fees and honor refunds is a practical measure during this tight period, even as the broader situation depends on when normal government operations resume.