Texas, Be Prepared For Flight Disruptions And Cancellations

(Mix 93-1) The airspace over the United States could be labeled, 'Chaos In The Sky' because there are fewer air traffic controllers in the control towers at the airport directing pilots when it is safe to taxi, take off, and land their planes with hundreds of passengers on board.

Due to the longest government shutdown in history, air traffic controllers have been working mandatory overtime since October 1. They are working six days a week, all while not receiving a paycheck, and they are working mandatory overtime, directing these pilots on what to do in the air and when to land and take off.

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Why the FAA Shortage is Escalating

There is a shortage of air traffic controllers because many are calling in sick. During the shutdown, they're not getting paid. While they are out 'sick', they are simply trying to find other ways to make money so that they can feed their family, pay the mortgage, cellphone bill, car payment, electricity, water, and cover their other expenses.

Delays and cancellations are compounding at the nation's airports because of the 'sick out' due to the shutdown. CNN reports that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that flights would be reduced by 4% at 40 major airports beginning November 7, rising to 10% by November 14.

If you have travel plans by air and are flying into or out of these 40 airports, you will definitely want to stay in touch with your air carrier and plan on arriving at the airport at least two hours or more before your scheduled departure time. TSA lines are also affected and backing up because TSA workers are in the same position and not receiving pay as well. KHOU reports that some airports, including those in Houston, are having to close TSA checkpoints because there is just not enough staffing.

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Which Airports Are Impacted Most Right Now

The FAA order affects airports in the following cities: New York City’s three major hubs and large airports in Atlanta, Boston, two in Chicago, two in Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, two in Houston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, two in Miami, Phoenix, Seattle, and three in Washington, DC. Along with others, including Anchorage, Alaska; Indianapolis; Portland, Oregon; Ontario, California; and others.

At this time, the FAA is leaving it up to the airlines to use their discretion on which flights are going to be cancelled while this prolonged shutdown continues. CNN reports that of the four major airlines, American, Delta, United, and Southwest have already cancelled 100 to 250 flights per company.

What Travelers Need To Do Before Flying

If you are flying anytime soon, be prepared and pack your patience, and have a contingency plan ready to be executed. You may receive a refund for your cancelled flight and apply that money toward a rental car and gas.