What you don’t know is that your travel plans are affected by Fila’s flight cancellations – nationwide

If you have travel plans coming up anytime soon, you may notice a few options on the airport travel board.

The airlines are bringing back flights at many US airports to ease pressure on air traffic controllers, who have been working unpaid and under the ongoing government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the decision is necessary to keep travelers safe. Many regulators have been putting in long and overtime enforcement while law enforcement powers the government.

Major hubs like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are among those affected, and the ripple effects can mean cancellations, additional delays and overbooked flights across the country. Cutterbacks will impact hundreds if not thousands of flights every day.

Here’s what you should know about the FAA order — and what you can do if your plans are disrupted:

Is my airport on the list?

There is a good chance. The list covers more than a dozen states.

It includes the highest airport in the country – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia – and major airports in Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco and Salt Lake.

Many airports will be affected in other metropolitan hubs, including New York, Houston, Chicago and Washington.

How long will this go on?

It’s hard to say. Even though the shutdown ends soon, the FAA has said it will not lift flight restrictions until workers at airports and airports make it safe to do so.

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“It’s going to take time to implement this,” said Michael Johnson, President of Meet and Go, an association of travel agencies in the US and Canada.

That’s why, she says, it’s important to plan ahead — whether you’ve already booked flights or are just starting to make vacation plans.

Know before you go

Airlines say they will notify their customers if their flight is called.

However, it doesn’t hurt to check your Airline app or flight tracker for updates before you leave the airport. It’s better to stay at home or in a hotel than to be washed in a pool.

My flight has been cancelled. Now what?

“Take a deep breath. Don’t be afraid,” Johnson said. “There are options available. They may not be good, and they may not be disruptive, but you have options.”

If you’re already at the airport, it’s time to get in line to speak with a customer service representative. While you’re waiting, you can call or go online to connect with the flight attendants. It can also help to reach the social platform X because airlines can respond quickly there.

Now is also the time to think if it makes sense to travel by train, car or bus instead.

Kyle Potter, Executive Editor of Thrifty Traveler, said the closure is different when one airline has problems and travelers can simply choose another carrier.

“If it takes a long time to close the tug, it is impossible that there will be one plane running at a time if all the others fail,” said Mumbami.

Can I get a refund or compensation?

Airlines will be required to pay the full amount, according to the FAA. However, they are not required to cover extra costs such as food or hotel accommodation – unless the cancellation or cancellation was within their control, according to the Department of Transport.

You can also check the DoT website to see what your airlines promises for refunds or other expenses if your flight is disrupted.

Should I stay home for the holidays?

Not really. You may just need a little more planning and flexibility than usual.

A travel advisor can help take the pressure off your plate, and travel insurance can give you an extra safety net.

Johnson also warned that flights could sell out quickly once the shutdown ends.

“There will be a blurring of booking activity,” he said. “So try to get ahead of it and make sure you’re protected.”

Booking an early flight can also help, says Tyler Hosford, director of risk mitigation at SOS International SOS. If it’s canceled, you still have “all day” to plan things.

Some tips

Bright light. Carry-on baggage restrictions mean less airport queues to deal with, and if your plans change suddenly, you’ll have everything with you.

Give yourself extra time at the airport, especially if you’re a nervous flyer or traveling with small children or anyone who needs extra help getting around.

And be nice. Flight agents may be helping other frustrated travelers, too, and yelling won’t make them more willing to help. Remember, the cancellation is not their fault.

“An extra act of kindness from you to others at this time of year, with all the inconvenience of it all, will go a long way,” Johnson said.

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