Flight delays worsen as shutdown and Hurricane Melissa hit travel

It could be a rough week for air travel as the partial government shutdown nears the one-month mark, air traffic controllers miss their first full paychecks, and Hurricane Melissa causes disruptions.  

The Federal Aviation Administration said staffing shortages prompted a nearly two-hour ground stop was at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday, Oct. 26. And the FAA’s National Airspace System Status webpage is already forecasting possible ground stops or delays at Boston Logan International Airport, Denver International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport for Monday, Oct. 27. 

On Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “My message has been to controllers ‘Show up. That’s your job. Eventually you’re going to be paid.’ But there’s real-life situations that they’re dealing with, with their families.” 

Here’s what travelers should know. 

Is the ATC mandatory? 

Air traffic controllers are considered essential workers, required to work regardless of pay during the government shutdown.  

However, Duffy said some are calling out sick or not showing up. He noted there were 22 staffing triggers, which signal staffing shortages, on Saturday, Oct. 25, among the highest in the shutdown. 

“What I see coming forward as we get to Monday, tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday, that you’re going to see more staffing shortages in towers, which means you’re going to see more delays, more cancellations...” he said, adding that some controllers are looking for second jobs amid concerns over childcare, mortgage payments and putting food on the table. 

What happens if my flight is delayed? 

Airlines are not required to compensate travelers for delays outside their control, like weather.  

However, they do offer some benefits for controllable delays longer than three hours. Travelers can find airline-specific details on the Department of Transportation’s consumer dashboard.  

Travelers should also check their flight status before leaving for the airport, and pack extra patience for flights amid the shutdown. 

One in five Delta flights and more than 20% of JetBlue flights, 25% of United and Frontier flights, 30% of Spirit flights, 35% of American Airlines flights and 45% of Southwest flights were delayed on Oct. 26, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. Keep in mind that weather plays a significant role in these delays and cancellations. 

What happens if my flight is cancelled? 

Travelers whose flights are canceled for any reason are eligible for a refund, if they choose to no longer fly.  

If they choose to continue their trip, airlines will typically book them on the next available flight at no extra cost.  

Additional compensation like meal vouchers and hotel accommodations may be available for controllable cancellations.  Those vary by airline and can also be found on the DOT’s consumer dashboard. 

Why is there a shortage in air traffic controllers? 

There was already an air traffic controller shortage before the government shutdown, so there isn’t wiggle room, and Duffy said controllers are “wearing thin.” 

For years, the Transportation Department has tried to grow the force for the career, which comes with high pay but also high stress and tough qualifications. 

Duffy now worries that the current pool of candidates at the FAA’s academy in Oklahoma City may dwindle when student stipends run out next week. He added that the academy’s instructors are already going unpaid. “This has long-term implications on our ability to make sure we don’t have the staffing shortages and our flights are on time and they’re not delayed, which I think frustrates so many darn Americans,” he said. 

Is it still safe to fly? 

Yes. Safety remains the top priority for the entire aviation industry. 

“If I don’t feel like I have enough controllers or enough controllers that are focused, we will slow down traffic. We will stop traffic and that’s why you see the delays in the system,” Duffy said, urging consumers to contact their lawmakers if they are frustrated.