Flight cancellations due to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shutdown order startedHundreds of flights and thousands of travelers at 40 U.S. airports are affected. This could continue as long as the closure lasts (and potentially impact many more travelers as the busy holiday season approaches).
While flight cancellations are never fun, the cascading effect of a government shutdown can make things even more frustrating. Here are four actions you should take immediately if your route gets shortened.
Turn on alerts from your airline
Flight cancellations often occur with little to no advance notice, sometimes while you're already en route to your destination, and airlines are certainly scrambling to comply with the FAA's grounding order. As they continue to cut back on their schedules, there's a chance your flight could be cut long before you even get to the airport.
To stay in the know, download your airline's app and turn on push notifications to receive status updates as soon as they become available, and monitor your email and text messages for additional alerts.
Check your rebooking options as soon as possible
Airlines often automatically rebook passengers whose flights are canceled onto the next available alternative, so double-check that you have your airline's app installed on your phone to quickly view your options. If the airline offers it, you can accept the rebooked itinerary, choose a different one, or decline it and get a refund instead. Using a mobile app will likely be much faster than standing in line at a customer service counter or trying to get through on the phone. (Although, if you really need to talk to a real person at your airline, we have a guide for this.)
Of course, you should check your airline's instructions regarding flight cancellations. Borderfor example, it waives change and cancellation fees and allows passengers to request route rebooking or refunds, but you won't be automatically put on your next flight. United offers rebooking options as well as refunds to anyone who decides not to travel, even if it doesn't affect their flight. Please refer to your airline's website for guidance (eg Delta, American, JetBlueAnd Southwest).
Know what you are entitled to
If your flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure and you decide not to travel, you are entitled to a refund– even if you booked a non-refundable ticket or a basic economy class ticket. Airlines may offer travel credits or vouchers first, but you can try asking for cash if that's what you prefer.
You can view your airline's standard obligations for “controlled” cancellations on the Department of Transport website. Airline flight cancellation and delay panelbut you should also check the FAA's rules regarding curtailment of flights as stated above.
Consider Backing Up
If your travel is absolutely necessary, you can book a backup for another time, on another airline, or through an alternative airport. While there's no guarantee that this flight won't also be cancelled, it at least increases your chances of reaching your destination with a confirmed seat while other affected travelers are rebooked on routes hours or days later.
You can buy a refundable ticket knowing you'll either get where you need to go, get extra money back if your original route works out, or use points and miles that are often easily credited back to your account if you cancel your ticket. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your bonus program. You can also consider travel insurancewhich will usually refund your purchase in full, albeit for a fee.
