2025 TRAVEL ADVISORY | Navigating Air Travel During the Government Shutdown
With the announcement that FAA is expected to ask airlines to reduce flights by up to 10% at the nation’s 40 busiest airports, we recommend travelers take the following precautions to minimize disruption:
1. Traveling on the day of your flight
Arrive early and build in extra buffer time. Allow extra time for check-in, security screening, and potential delays. TSA staffing shortages may lengthen wait times.
Monitor flight status closely. Check your airline’s app and sign up for text/email alerts. Expect delays and cancellations with less advance notice than usual.
Have a backup plan. Identify alternate flights or travel modes (such as train or car) in the event of cancellation.
Stay flexible. Rebooking options may be limited, so remain open to route or timing adjustments.
2. Booking or adjusting your flights
Fly earlier in the day. Morning flights are less likely to experience cascading delays or cancellations.
Choose flexible fares. Review cancellation and change policies before booking; flexibility will be key if the schedule changes. If you’ve already booked your flight and it is cancelled, consult with the airline or travel agent about refund or compensation options.
Avoid tight connections. Allow generous layovers or opt for nonstop flights where possible.
Consider alternate airports or routes. Secondary airports may experience fewer cancellations and shorter delays.
Book early morning or midweek flights. Historically, these have lower cancellation rates and more backup options.
Build in buffer time around key events. If traveling for meetings or events, consider arriving a day early to protect against disruptions if that aligns with your company’s budget and travel guidance.
3. Communication and notifications
Confirm your contact information with the airline. Even if booked through a travel agency, ensure your email and cell number are listed in the airline’s system so you receive direct alerts.
Sign up for real-time notifications. Enable flight alerts in both your airline app and any third-party booking tools.
Keep your travel advisor or company contact updated. If there are changes or cancellations, notify your travel arranger promptly for assistance.
Stay informed through reliable sources. Follow official FAA, DOT, or airline channels for updates on the shutdown and flight schedules.
Communicate with your travel group. Make sure all travelers know there’s a heightened risk of disruption and have contingency plans.
Though the list has not been announced, some of the busiest US airports as of 2024* are:
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Atlanta, GA
The world’s busiest airport for passenger traffic; major hub for Delta Air Lines.Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Dallas, TX
American Airlines’ largest hub and one of the most connected airports globally.Denver International Airport (DEN) – Denver, CO
Key hub for United, Southwest, and Frontier.Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – Chicago, IL
Major United and American hub with extensive domestic and international traffic.Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Los Angeles, CA
Major gateway for transpacific and Latin American routes.Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – Charlotte, NC
One of American Airlines’ biggest hubs and a major domestic connector.Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Orlando, FL
Heavy leisure and international travel; busiest in Florida.Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) – Las Vegas, NV
High-volume leisure airport with strong domestic and low-cost carrier presence.Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – Phoenix, AZ
American Airlines hub and a key connector for western U.S. routes.Miami International Airport (MIA) – Miami, FL
Major hub for Latin American and Caribbean travel; American Airlines hub.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation and share updates as new information becomes available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
