What can you do if your flight is delayed, canceled during shutdown?

Airports across the country are feeling the pressure of staffing shortages and flight interruptions as the government shutdown persists into a 37th day without an end in sight.

Travelers have been caught in the crossfires of the lapse in funding as air traffic controller call-outs have been exacerbated by weeks of work without pay and mandatory overtime.

Passengers at airports such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport have experienced hour-long delays and even cancellations amid the federal shuttering. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Bryan Bedford announced Wednesday that many airports could also see significant flight reductions.

Here’s what you can do if your flight is postponed or scrapped.

Who to contact?

Reach out to the customer service number for your airline.

Dialing the international assistance number may be quicker or you could tag the airline on the social platform X to receive a faster response, according to The Associated Press. However, be conscious of wait times because you are likely not the only person experiencing a delay, the outlet warned.

A representative will provide customers with rebooking options and list same day flights options that are available. 

If the airline is at fault, accommodations on a later flight will be offered at no additional charge.

“As these problems expand and spread the longer the shutdown drags on, it’s unlikely that there will be one airline running on time if the rest of them are failing,” Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, told the AP. 

“It’s going to affect the entire system over time," Potter added.

What to ask for?

Travelers who choose not to accept a later flight can request a voucher for future travel dates or overnight accommodations, according to U.S. News and World Report. 

Airlines have varying customer service plans with detailed commitments to passengers. The Department of Transportation has posted plans for each airline here. 

Some say passengers can request fare for travel on a bus, train or different airline. 

Is the trip refundable?

If you made travel plans on a deadline and your flight is delayed or cancelled, leaving you stranded, you are entitled to a refund. Travelers do not have to accept a voucher and can ask to receive your original method of payment, the AP reported.

Passengers should be refunded for all seat upgrades, baggage flees or other added extras.

Travelers can check their flight times online before leaving home or a hotel. Check the website ahead of leaving to save yourself the hassle of rebooking or returning to your destination of origin.