The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken world-leading action by drastically cutting flight capacity at U.S. airports. This one ruling has nationwide consequences that impact 40 large urban centers around the country. Beginning Friday morning, capacity is being cut by an additional 10%. This potentially very damaging cut would result in many thousands of travelers facing service delays and cancellations. Major airports such as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Boston Logan, all three New York City-area airports, and Chicago O’Hare are among those affected.
The FAA’s decision is made against the backdrop of operations setbacks that have shaken confidence in the management of air traffic. Travel industry analysts believe the cascading impacts of this cut will reach much further than the airports first named in this order. Travel expert Katy Nastro notes that the first round includes releases under 10 percent of U.S. airports. She adds that even more airports are likely to be impacted, as the sands keep shifting.
Impact on Major Airports and Travelers
Additionally, the impacted airports handle close to 70% of all passenger flights in the United States. This would mean that travelers—their own customers—would suffer interruptions, even when flying through the tiniest of their 400-plus regional outposts. Nastro explains, “While 40 U.S. airports is a lot, the effects on travelers can reach far beyond just the single airport.”
Airlines are still figuring out how to operate under the new capacity restrictions. Consequently, cancellations will be more likely to lead to longer delays and tighter connections for travelers who have layovers. Nastro notes that “regional and less full flights may be targeted per airline guidance,” which could further complicate travel plans.
Passengers are reminded to stay vigilant for all updates related to their flight schedules. Customers traveling through impacted airports should be ready for changes and delays which can occur as airlines work to adjust their operation to the change.
Options and Recommendations for Travelers
Although the FAA can no longer ignore these technological changes, they have started by providing waivers for travelers. This makes it possible for you to change your travel plans with no additional fees. As Nastro puts it, these waivers are the passengers’ “golden tickets,” allowing them to easily change plans that need adjusting.
For the many thousands of travelers whose flights will be canceled, it is especially important for them to know their rights. Nastro firmly states, “If a flight does get canceled, travelers are owed a full refund for the ticket, full stop.” Consumers need to be made aware that they have the right to reject a credit offer. They should be allowed to demand a cash refund in return.
Travelers should closely read the fine print on their travel insurance policies. Numerous typical policies will not cover any disruptions caused by this shutdown because it’s considered an unforeseen event. Nastro warns that “most insurance policies won’t cover shutdown-related disruptions outright,” emphasizing that coverage would only apply if the policy was purchased before October 1.
Final Thoughts on the Situation
While the aviation industry adjusts to these new limitations, travelers need to prepare for some difficulty in their journey. Fares are likely to spike for last-minute booking, considering the significantly lower number of flights for passengers to be rebooked onto. Creating additional demand for Amtrak service, Nastro cautions that “last-minute tickets will be pricey,” encouraging riders to think ahead.
