Should You Still Book a Thanksgiving Flight After the Shutdown?

(UNITED STATES) The federal government shutdown ended on November 13, 2025, and commercial aviation is slowly steadying, but airlines warn that the return to normal operations won’t be instant as millions prepare for a Thanksgiving flight.

The Federal Aviation Administration is no longer expanding flight restrictions tied to the shutdown, and planned FAA‑directed cancellations are now complete as of that date. Even so, carriers are still clearing backlogs, coping with staffing gaps, and reworking schedules, leaving travelers with fewer seats, higher fares, and a lingering risk of last‑minute changes.

Flight waivers and flexible policies

Airline flight waivers remain a key safety valve in this transition period. Many major carriers, including Delta, have extended flexible policies for tickets touching affected airports through at least November 21.

• These waivers let passengers change, cancel, or request refunds without standard penalties when travel is disrupted.
• According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, waiver policies are still active across multiple airlines, though they may be scaled back as operations stabilize.
• Travelers booking now are urged to confirm the specific terms on the carrier’s website before paying.

Important official guidance and updates are available from the Federal Aviation Administration: https://www.faa.gov/travelers

FAA posture and operational recovery

The FAA’s posture has shifted from constraint to recovery. There are no new federal restrictions being layered onto airline schedules after the reopening.

Federal officials say the focus is on supporting safe operations while airlines catch up on:
– maintenance,
– crew rotations, and
– gate availability

that fell behind during the shutdown period.

Seats, fares, and market reality

For families and workers who delayed booking while the government was closed, the market reality is stark.

• Seats are tight across popular routes and times.
• The most desirable itineraries—nonstops, early morning flights, and evening returns—are the first to disappear.
• The average domestic round‑trip fare for Thanksgiving 2025 is around $751, and fares are unlikely to fall meaningfully this late in the season.

In practice:
– Expect to pay more for the few remaining nonstop options.
– Be prepared to accept less convenient times to stay within budget.

Ongoing ripple effects and what travelers may encounter

While the end of the government shutdown removed a major source of uncertainty, operational ripple effects will likely continue through the start of the holiday rush.

Passengers may face:
– longer lines at check‑in,
– tighter connection windows,
– occasional same‑day schedule changes,
– crew timing rules and aircraft positioning issues cascading from earlier disruptions.

Airlines are still managing disruptions caused by earlier cancellations and delays as they reposition people and planes.

Booking strategy and fare classes

Flexibility is worth more than ever.

• Basic economy tickets often lock passengers into strict rules; some flight waivers exclude the lowest‑price fares.
• If a trip is essential (reunion, medical appointment, must‑attend work), book a fare class that allows easier changes to avoid a stressful scramble.
• Some travelers secure a backup Thanksgiving flight later in the day or on a different airline, then cancel the extra ticket within the waiver window if everything runs on time.

Practical steps to improve odds

1. Book fares that allow changes or refunds when possible.
2. Consider a backup reservation under a waiver and cancel it if unneeded.
3. Prefer flights earlier in the week or returning after the weekend crush if you can shift dates.

Waiver fine print and refunds

The waiver picture is dynamic; read the fine print before relying on a free change or refund.

• Some waivers apply only to certain airports or dates.
• Others require that rebooked travel be completed by a set deadline—often at least November 21, but this can vary by carrier.
• If a flight is canceled by the airline, refunds are typically available.
• If a traveler proactively changes plans while the flight is operating, the waiver terms determine what costs are waived and what fare differences may apply.

Insurance, credit card protections, and extra costs

Insurance and credit card protections can soften the cost of late shifts.

• Policies differ, but many travel cards include coverage for:
  • trip delay,
  • lost baggage, or
  • cancellation under specific conditions.
• These protections won’t create seats or shorten lines, but they can reimburse extra hotel nights or meals if a delay stretches into an overnight.

For some families, having that backstop makes paying current $751‑range fares feel less risky.

Airport tips and packing advice

Airlines are urging customers to arrive early, bring patience, and be prepared for small schedule tweaks.

• Boarding may start sooner than usual if crews are trying to make up time.
• Aircraft swaps might change seat maps even when flight numbers stay the same.
• If a schedule change breaks a tight connection, agents can often move travelers to a more realistic itinerary under an active flight waiver.

Pack smart:
– Keep medication, chargers, and a day’s essentials in a carry‑on in case a checked bag lags behind.

Trade‑offs and final guidance

For many, the decision comes down to competing trade‑offs.

• Waiting may save little or nothing on price while increasing the risk that only undesirable times remain.
• Booking now secures a seat but locks in higher holiday fares and exposes travelers to post‑shutdown adjustments.

Families, students, and workers coordinating time off may prefer to commit now and rely on airline flight waivers or card protections if plans shift.

The clearest message after the end of the government shutdown is that people can and should book if they need to be somewhere for the holiday, but they should do it with eyes open.

Carriers have made progress restoring schedules since November 13, yet the path to full normalcy runs straight into one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. That mix points to a Thanksgiving period that is workable—but still fragile.

Final recommendations

• Keep checking airline alerts and confirm the status of any remaining flight waivers.
• Use the airline mobile app for push notifications.
• Consider small changes that build breathing room, such as longer layovers or earlier departures.
• If possible, shift travel by a day—depart earlier in the week or return after the weekend—to reduce crowds and increase flexibility.

None of these steps can eliminate every risk, but they reduce the chance that a glitch turns into a missed gathering. With the shutdown in the rearview and FAA constraints easing, the system is moving again. For millions planning a Thanksgiving flight, booking now remains possible—just plan for a bit of give and take along the way.