Stranded by the US government shutdown? What to know if your flight is delayed or cancelled

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown began, fuelling fatigue and slowing operations. Security screeners at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are also working unpaid, leading to long queues and growing passenger frustration.

Here are a few questions that you need to know if your flight is delayed or cancelled 

1. 01

   Haven’t left for the airport yet? Don’t — until you’ve checked your flight status

   Travel experts urge passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport through airline apps or the FAA’s delay tracker, according to AP. If a flight is cancelled, travellers should immediately contact airline representatives at the airport, call customer service, or reach out via social media platforms like X, where responses may be faster.

2. 02

   My flight was cancelled and I’m already at the airport — what should I do?

   If you’re already at the airport, start looking for an alternative flight right away. Airlines are required to rebook passengers on later flights at no additional charge, and those who no longer wish to travel are entitled to a full refund — even on non-refundable tickets. Refunds also apply to unused extras like bag fees and seat upgrades.

3. 03

   I had a non refundable ticket. Am I owed a refund?

   If your flight is cancelled and you decide not to travel or choose another way to reach your destination, the airline must issue you a full refund — even for non-refundable tickets.

4. 04

   Are US airlines required to compensate passengers for delays?

   Unlike the EU, the US does not require airlines to provide cash compensation or cover lodging and meals for stranded passengers. The Joe Biden administration had proposed a rule to change that — with compensation between $200 and $775 — but the Trump administration scrapped it last month, a move airlines publicly supported.

5. 05

   Should I consider other travel options?

   If flight disruptions continue to spread, travellers might need to consider alternative modes of transport — such as trains, buses or cars — though predicting when and where staffing shortages will hit remains impossible. The shortage of air traffic controllers is now so severe that even a few absences can throw entire airports into disarray.

   Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, said the ongoing shutdown is unlike a typical airline-specific issue where passengers can simply switch carriers. “This time, it’s the whole system that’s strained,” he told AP. “As the shutdown drags on, these problems will ripple across the network — it’s unlikely any airline will stay on schedule if the rest are struggling.”