Airlines are cutting flights starting Nov. 7 under a new FAA order tied to the government shutdown. Here’s what United, Southwest and American travelers need to know
HOUSTON — Here’s how United, Southwest, American, and Delta are handling schedule changes starting Friday, Nov. 7.
Why airlines are cutting flights
The Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation have directed airlines across 40 major U.S. airports to reduce flight schedules beginning Friday, Nov. 7, citing safety concerns during the ongoing government shutdown.
The move aims to relieve pressure on the national aviation system, where air traffic controllers and TSA staff have been working without pay and staffing shortages have caused delays nationwide.
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What United Airlines passengers should know
United says it’s working to keep travelers informed and reduce disruption while maintaining safety.
- Reductions begin Friday, Nov. 7. United will make rolling updates to schedules, giving customers several days’ notice.
- Notifications: If your flight is impacted, you’ll be notified through the United app, website, or text.
- Flights not affected: Long-haul international and hub-to-hub flights will continue as scheduled. The cuts focus on regional and domestic mainline routes that don’t connect hub airports.
- Refunds: Any customer traveling during this period is eligible for a refund — even if your flight isn’t impacted. That includes non-refundable and Basic Economy tickets.
- Check before you go: Use the United app or visit united.com for real-time flight updates.
“The goal is to relieve pressure on the national aviation system to keep us all operating safely. That is the highest priority for the FAA — and for United.”
What Southwest Airlines passengers should know
Southwest says it will automatically rebook customers where possible and urges travelers to stay alert for updates.
- Cancellations begin Friday, Nov. 7.
- Notifications: If your flight is canceled, Southwest will notify you using your contact information on file.
- Automatic rebooking: In most cases, Southwest will automatically rebook travelers on another flight.
- Refunds: You are eligible for a full refund if your flight is canceled and you choose not to travel.
- Stay updated: Visit swa.is/FAAFlightReductions for the latest information.
“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees. We know that these FAA-imposed cancellations could impact an important moment in your life.”
What American Airlines passengers should know
American Airlines is still awaiting more details from the FAA, but says most customers are not expected to see changes.
- Reductions begin Friday, Nov. 7. Flights on Thursday, Nov. 6, will operate as planned.
- Notifications: American will proactively contact impacted customers as schedule changes are made.
- Most flights unaffected: The airline expects the vast majority of travelers will not see disruptions.
- Check your flight: Travelers are encouraged to check aa.com or the mobile app for flight status updates.
“While we are awaiting additional information from the FAA to determine which flights will be impacted, we expect the vast majority of our customers’ travel will be unaffected.”
What Delta Airlines passengers should know
Delta says it is complying with the FAA and U.S. Department of Transportation directive to reduce flights at 40 major U.S. airports beginning Friday, Nov. 7.
- Reductions begin Friday, Nov. 7. Delta expects to operate the vast majority of its flights as scheduled, including all long-haul international service.
- Flexibility for travelers: Customers can change, cancel, or refund their flights — including Basic Economy fares — without penalty during the impacted travel period.
- Notifications: Delta says it will give customers as much notice as possible about any changes to their flights.
- Check your flight: Travelers are encouraged to check their status on delta.com or through the Fly Delta app for the latest information.
- Safety focus: The airline says the reductions are in response to air traffic control staffing shortages caused by the ongoing government shutdown and are intended to maintain safety across the national airspace system.
“We will work to minimize customer impact while keeping safety our top priority.”
Bottom line for travelers
- Start checking your flight status now — especially if you’re flying domestically on or after Nov. 7.
- Download your airline’s app for the fastest notifications and rebooking options.
- Refunds are widely available, even for typically non-refundable fares, during this FAA-directed reduction period.
- Arrive early — airlines and airport officials warn that staffing shortages could lead to longer TSA wait times in addition to schedule changes.
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