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FAA to Slash Thousands of Flights Across the U.S. on Friday--What Travelers Need to Know

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. e-u-s-on-friday-what-travelers-need-to-know.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 14:28 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Flight Operations in Jeopardy: How the Federal Government Shutdown Is Slowing the Sky

When the federal government shuts down, the impacts ripple through every sector that relies on public agencies. For the airline industry, the consequences are immediate and far‑reaching: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are key players in keeping planes on the ground and on the air. In a recent feature for Travel + Leisure, the FAA’s concerns over flight reductions amid a government shutdown were unpacked, providing travelers with a clear picture of what to expect when the political gridlock tightens its grip on the skies.

The FAA’s Role and the Limits of a Shutdown

The FAA is the civil aviation authority that certifies aircraft, regulates air traffic control, and sets safety standards. Under normal circumstances, the FAA does not directly operate flights or staff airports—those responsibilities belong to airlines and airport authorities. However, the FAA’s oversight of air traffic control and its partnership with TSA mean that any disruption to federal funding can indirectly stall flight operations.

In the event of a shutdown, many FAA employees go unpaid and may be furloughed. This means that while the FAA continues to maintain its essential services—such as air traffic control—the organization’s capacity to respond to emergencies or provide critical updates can be compromised. Travelers, therefore, risk delayed or canceled flights if the FAA’s support infrastructure is constrained.

The article underscores that the FAA is actively coordinating with airlines and airports to mitigate the impact. “The FAA remains focused on ensuring the safety of flight operations, even if we are operating on a leaner staff,” one FAA spokesperson noted. The agency has, however, warned that the severity of flight reductions will depend on the duration of the shutdown and the extent of the TSA staffing shortages.

TSA Staffing Shortages: The Most Immediate Threat

The TSA’s role is more directly linked to passenger experience. TSA is responsible for screening passengers, securing airports, and ensuring that the infrastructure that supports flight operations—like gates, runways, and navigation aids—remains functional. A furlough or budget halt for TSA employees can leave airports with insufficient security personnel, forcing many to curtail services or even temporarily close gates.

According to the Travel + Leisure piece, several major airports are already reporting decreased TSA staffing. In San Francisco International, the TSA is scheduled to operate with a 40% reduction in personnel, which could lead to extended security lines and, consequently, delayed flights. Similarly, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has reported a 30% staffing drop, and the FAA is in talks with the TSA to prioritize high‑traffic airports for essential coverage.

Travelers are advised to arrive at airports at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and two hours before international flights, even if the TSA is understaffed. “When TSA is short-staffed, it is best to be early, as screening can take longer than usual,” the article reminds readers.

Flight Schedules and Airline Adjustments

The article lists a few airlines that have already started to adjust their flight schedules to accommodate the shortage of TSA and FAA personnel. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have all announced provisional reductions of flights that depart or arrive at airports most affected by staffing shortages. These cuts are more pronounced on weekends and during holiday travel peaks, when airport congestion typically spikes.

Some airlines have also opted to shift flights to smaller regional airports that are still fully staffed. For instance, flights that would normally land at the congested Houston Hobby Airport are being rerouted to the nearby Hobby Terminal 2, which has a smaller TSA workforce but sufficient security to handle the passenger load.

The article also highlights that airlines are working with airport authorities to reschedule crew rotations. With many airlines facing a shortage of ground crew due to furloughs, flights that depend on the timely arrival of ground staff for cleaning, refueling, and baggage handling are more likely to be delayed or canceled.

The Long-Term Perspective

While the article’s primary focus is on the immediate operational impact, it also points to the long‑term ramifications of a prolonged shutdown. A sustained loss of FAA oversight could erode safety protocols, leading to potential mishaps or regulatory breaches. Likewise, chronic TSA staffing shortages could create a security vacuum that might be exploited by malicious actors.

The piece references a prior Travel + Leisure feature that explored the potential for an increased rate of flight mishaps during a prolonged government shutdown. That article cited data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which noted a correlation between staff shortages at the TSA and an uptick in security incidents, such as prohibited items being overlooked or misrouted. In addition, the NTSB’s own records indicate that a government shutdown can reduce the number of safety inspections performed on aircraft, putting passengers at risk.

What Travelers Should Do

Travelers reading this article are advised to stay vigilant about flight status updates and to register for email or SMS alerts from their airlines. It is also prudent to monitor TSA’s official website and social media channels for updates on security staffing and potential airport closures.

If a flight is delayed or canceled, passengers should know their rights and options for rebooking. Airlines have, in the past, been required to offer refund options or alternative flights, but a government shutdown can strain the customer service departments of airlines, making it harder to secure prompt solutions.

The article concludes with a practical checklist:

1. Check Flight Status Early – Use airline apps or flight-tracking websites.
2. Arrive Early – Factor in extended security lines.
3. Be Flexible – Consider alternate airports or later flights.
4. Keep Documentation – Have proof of any travel insurance that covers government shutdowns.
5. Contact Airlines Promptly – If you’re at the airport, speak to the airline desk.

In summary, while the FAA remains the guardian of flight safety, the interconnected roles of TSA and airline ground staff mean that a federal shutdown can quickly disrupt the rhythm of air travel. By staying informed and prepared, travelers can mitigate the impact and ensure that their journey—though delayed—continues safely to its destination.