UPDATE: United Airlines has confirmed it will cancel 4% of its flights starting today as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grapples with severe staffing shortages linked to the ongoing government shutdown. The airline aims to minimize disruptions for travelers amidst widespread flight delays across the country.
The situation is urgent: for the third consecutive day, flight delays are affecting thousands of passengers nationwide, with major airlines like Delta and American also reducing their schedules. Delta has already called off 170 flights for Friday, while American plans to cancel 220 out of 6,000 daily flights through the weekend.
In an exclusive interview with ABC News, United Airlines’ chief customer officer, David Kinzelman, emphasized that most travelers will not be significantly impacted. “The good news here for customers is we’re getting those cancellations in today for tomorrow through Sunday,” Kinzelman said, encouraging passengers to seek alternatives early.
Travelers flying from Newark Liberty International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport or from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport can rest assured that these routes will remain operational, as they are key hubs for United and American Airlines.
As the FAA mandates cuts at 40 domestic airports, airlines are scrambling to adapt. Kinzelman noted that the cancellations are strategically focused on regional flights, which connect smaller airports to major hubs, typically on smaller aircraft.
“It’s going to be heavily chaotic,” warned Henry Harvedelt, president of Atmosphere Research. “The FAA and DOT are giving airlines only 48 hours to implement these changes.” This uncertainty means travelers should stay vigilant as schedules may continue to shift over the weekend.
To mitigate the chaos, airlines are advising customers to download their respective apps for real-time notifications and rebooking options. Morning flights are reported to be less affected, providing more opportunities for passengers to find alternative arrangements if necessary.
In light of the disruptions, all three major airlines have waived change and cancellation fees, allowing customers to receive refunds or rebook without penalty. United Airlines, in particular, is committed to providing rolling updates as the situation evolves.
Travel experts recommend securing backup tickets on other carriers as a precaution. In a now-deleted LinkedIn post, Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier Airlines, advised travelers, “Don’t book a basic ticket… If your flight is cancelled, your chances of being stranded are high.”
As the holiday season approaches, the stakes are rising. Airlines for America projects a record 31 million travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday, making these disruptions even more critical for passengers planning their trips.
Stay tuned for further updates, and remember to check with your airline for the latest information regarding your flight status. The situation is developing rapidly, and being informed is essential for all travelers.
