(NEW YORK (LAGUARDIA), NEWARK) Airlines and airport officials warned travelers on Thursday that Flight Reductions tied to the U.S. government shutdown will continue to disrupt schedules at major hubs, with airports advisories urging passengers to arrive early, monitor apps, and prepare for longer lines.
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a 4% cut in air traffic at 40 large airports beginning November 7, 2025, rising to 6% and projected to reach 10% by November 14. Those moves have led to cancellations and rolling delays from LaGuardia and Newark to airports across the United States 🇺🇸. United, American, Delta, and Southwest have adjusted schedules to comply, trimming flight banks and, in some cases, consolidating routes to keep crews and aircraft in position.
Local impacts and cancellation rates
The knock-on effects are immediate in New York and New Jersey. LaGuardia and Newark have each reported roughly 4% of flights canceled in early November, while JFK has seen about 2% canceled.
Airport managers cautioned those percentages can swing day by day as airlines retime operations. The FAA has warned that if the budget stalemate continues, cuts may deepen to 15–20%, and more extreme steps could follow if staffing stays thin. That prospect has rattled travelers and airline planners already juggling peak-season demand and tight spare capacity.
Security screening and TSA guidance
Security screening remains open, but stretched. TSA officers are designated essential and are still on duty, yet staffing gaps are producing longer queues and periodic checkpoint closures during shift changes.
Key points for passengers:
– Arrive earlier than usual — some airports advise an extra 60–90 minutes during morning and evening rush hours.
– The Real ID requirement is fully enforced. Domestic flyers must show a Real ID-compliant license or a valid passport at screening to proceed to the gate.
– Travelers who show up without compliant identification risk missing flights even if aircraft are ready to depart.
Airline responses and rebooking policies
Airlines say they are offering flexible options to ease the strain.
Highlights:
– Most major carriers posted fee waivers for flights scheduled from November 7 through mid-November.
– Customers can rebook in the same cabin without change fees as long as the origin and destination remain the same.
– Seats are tight when entire departures are removed to meet FAA caps, so passengers are urged to act quickly when rebooking windows open.
Airline and airport teams recommend:
– Use airline apps for same-day changes.
– Alert hotels and car rental companies about late arrivals to avoid extra charges.
– Move fast when notified of alternate options — early movers are more likely to secure limited open seats.
Consumer rights and refunds
Consumer rights have become a flashpoint as cancellations stack up.
- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reiterates that carriers must provide refunds when a flight is canceled or faces a lengthy delay, regardless of the reason.
- DOT officials direct fliers to the department’s official rules explaining what counts as a cancellation or major schedule change and how to document a refund claim.
- Travelers can review the U.S. Department of Transportation refund guidance and are encouraged to keep screenshots of delay notices, cancellation emails, and any written denials of reimbursement.
Note: VisaVerge.com reports that passengers who request vouchers but later seek cash refunds may face longer processing times — choosing one path at the start can save time.
Terminal operations and tech aids
Airports are leaning on automation to move people through choke points more smoothly.
Measures in use:
– Increased use of self-service kiosks and biometric gates where available to reduce handoffs at boarding and document checks.
– Digital concierge services pushing real-time gate changes, wait times, and baggage updates to smartphones at some hubs.
– Automated tools help during shortfalls and give travelers clearer expectations while they wait, though they cannot fully replace staffed lanes.
Health, comfort, and passenger amenities
Airports continue to focus on passenger health and comfort amid longer dwell times.
- Cleaning crews are rotating through high-touch areas.
- Ventilation upgrades remain in steady use.
- Some large hubs opened quiet rooms and yoga spaces for stranded travelers.
- Families are encouraged to use play zones near gates with lower crowding.
- Airlines say spreading out gate assignments and offering calmer waiting areas can reduce stress during busy hours.
Passport, border services, and enrollment delays
International travel services remain operational but slower than normal due to limited staffing.
Advice for travelers:
– Apply for or renew passports well in advance. Expedited requests may take longer if interview slots or adjudication teams are limited.
– Global Entry and TSA PreCheck interviews are seeing postponements. Accept rescheduled dates quickly — missing a new slot could push enrollment into the winter travel period.
Broader effects beyond airports
The shutdown’s ripples extend past aviation.
- Some national parks and museums are closed or operating with limited services.
- Tourists report shuttered visitor centers and fewer rangers, which may affect safety briefings and access to guided routes.
- Cities that normally expect weekend visitors urge travelers to check hours and service levels before heading out, especially for plans linked to federal sites.
Recovery planning and expectations
As lawmakers debate a resolution, airline planners are modeling the post-shutdown recovery and cautioning that normal service won’t return instantly.
- Crews and aircraft may remain out of position, so schedules could stay choppy for several days after caps are lifted.
- Even when the FAA relaxes caps, carriers will need time to rebuild rotations and reopen paused routes.
Clear, repeated advice for travelers:
1. Monitor your flight status closely via airline apps and airport channels.
2. Arrive early to account for longer lines and potential checkpoint closures.
3. Rebook as soon as options appear to improve chances of getting a seat.
With more reductions possible, early movers are more likely to grab the limited open seats.
Practical workarounds travelers are using
Some passengers have found ways to reduce the risk of major disruption:
– Taking earlier same-day flights to avoid evening bottlenecks.
– Switching to nearby airports when one field faces stricter caps.
– Choosing nonstop flights over connections to lower the chance of missed links.
– Business travelers shifting to video calls rather than risk same-day travel.
These strategies don’t eliminate strain but can reduce the odds of a worst-case disruption while Flight Reductions remain in force.
Ongoing advisories
Airports say they will continue posting airports advisories throughout the week and will update guidance if staffing improves or if the FAA changes the cap.
Bottom line for travelers: expect rolling changes until the U.S. government shutdown is resolved and for several days afterward as the system stabilizes. Officials stress that clear documentation, flexible plans, and quick rebooking remain the best tools for getting where you need to go under the current limits.
This Article in a Nutshell
The FAA imposed phased flight cuts—4% from Nov. 7, rising to 6% and 10% by Nov. 14—causing cancellations and rolling delays at major U.S. hubs. LaGuardia and Newark reported about 4% canceled flights early in November; JFK about 2%. TSA staffing strains are lengthening security waits; passengers should arrive 60–90 minutes early and carry Real ID or passports. Major airlines offered fee waivers and same-cabin rebooking through mid-November. The DOT requires refunds for cancellations; travelers should document notices and rebook quickly.
