Staff shortages at the country’s largest airports have worsened amid the ongoing government shutdown.
Air traffic controller shortages have caused disruptions at dozens of airports worldwide in recent days, including Chicago O’Hare, Nashville International Airport, and Hollywood Burbank Airport.
According to the Department of Transportation, the number of controllers refusing to report for work has increased significantly since the federal shutdown.
What to do if your flight is canceled or delayed: travel tips
However, flight delays can be caused by more than just staffing issues – they are often triggered by system failures or weather conditions. Here’s what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled.
Before heading to the airport
Before you leave, be sure to check your flight’s status. This will help avoid unnecessary fuss and a wasted trip to a crowded terminal.
“It’s better to find out about a problem at home than at the check-in counter,” advises Going.com founder Scott Case.
He recommends:
- Sign up for free airline flight status alerts and install the carrier’s app.
- Check your flight number directly on Google—the search engine immediately displays up-to-date information.
- Use sites like FlightAware, where you can track general flight schedule trends across the country.
- Take advantage of Hop-on Waiver offers if weather conditions are expected—booking early will give you a better chance of getting on your desired flight.
If you’re already at the airport
Sometimes you receive news of a delay when you’re already at the gate with your suitcase. In this case, you need to act quickly:
go to the airline counter and try to get to the front of the line.
“The first person to contact an agent gets their flight the fastest,” notes Case.
While you’re waiting, call the call center: sometimes the issue can be resolved more quickly over the phone. Additional options:
Use self-service kiosks (for example, American or United Airlines);
Contact the airline via social media—this is often faster than waiting on hold;
Call the international call center—they usually have fewer calls.
Politeness helps
No matter how difficult it is to remain calm, a polite tone often speeds resolution.
“The airline agent is your ally. If you speak calmly and respectfully, your chances of getting help are much higher,” Case reminds.
When you approach the counter, prepare alternative flight options in advance—independent research speeds up the process.
A few practical tips
Try to book tickets directly with the airlines rather than through intermediaries—refunds will be easier in the event of a cancellation.
Avoid itineraries with multiple transfers—the more connections, the higher the risk of delays.
If the plane is already parked on the ramp, the airline is obligated to provide water, food, and working restrooms during extended waits. Passengers must be returned to the terminal after three hours, otherwise the carrier faces fines.
Reconnection Possibility
Some airlines cooperate with each other. If your flight is canceled, try to find out if the carrier can reconnect you to another airline.
“For example, if Delta has a disruption and American flies to the same destination, you may be rerouted there,” explains Going.com specialist Lusson Smith.
Use Bonus Miles
Even during peak travel times, airlines often allow you to use bonus miles for bookings.
“Yes, you may need more miles, but it’s still cheaper than buying a ticket at the last minute,” says Julian Heal, CEO of Points Path.
The main thing is to avoid booking multiple flights with the same airline, otherwise the system will cancel duplicates.
If your flight is cancelled, be sure to cancel your other reservations to get your miles back.
If you’re stuck overnight
If your flight is only possible the next day, everything depends on the country and airline policy.
In the US, carriers aren’t required to provide a hotel, but in Europe and the UK, different rules apply—you may be given vouchers for accommodation and meals.
In any case, keep your receipts if you had to pay for accommodation or meals yourself; these expenses can be refunded.
Helpful Tips
Pay for tickets with a credit card: many banks offer insurance against flight delays and cancellations.
Sometimes it’s easier to stay at the airport than to travel to and from a hotel.
Check availability at airport hotels or lounges—they’re more comfortable waiting for your flight.
Don’t risk it if weather conditions are dangerous—it’s better to postpone your trip.
Don’t forget insurance
Travelers should consider purchasing travel insurance.
Most policies cover delays of over 12 hours caused by weather, strikes, or breakdowns.
And most importantly, keep all receipts for your expenses. This will be useful if the airline or insurance company considers compensation.
