FAA’s Flight Reductions

What it means for your travel plans:

You’ve probably seen the headlines — the FAA is reducing flights at several major U.S. airports starting tomorrow, November 7. It sounds big (and it is), but let’s take a deep breath and unpack what’s really going on, what it means for your upcoming trips, and why you don’t need to panic.

The short version? This is a temporary safety measure. The FAA plans to scale back flight capacity by about ten percent across forty busy airports as it manages staffing and air-traffic flow during the ongoing government shutdown. For most travelers, especially those heading overseas, the impact should be minor — but a few delays or rescheduled flights at domestic hubs may ripple through the system.

If you’re flying through airports like Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), or the New York area, you may notice fuller gates, longer lines, or small time shifts over the next week. The good news is that international flights are largely unaffected for now.

Now, for those flying domestically — maybe to visit family or sneak in a holiday weekend — here’s my best advice: build in a little buffer. Get to the airport early, check your flight status early and often, and consider early morning departures if you can. They’re less likely to be delayed or cancelled when schedules start backing up.

Since this FAA update overlaps with the holiday travel season, here are a few tips to help you survive the airport drama if you have travel plans:

• Arrive early — really early. With TSA staffing impacted by the shutdown, expect longer lines at security, especially during peak morning and evening hours. Give yourself at least an extra 60–90 minutes at major airports.

• Use your pre-check perks. CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, Touchless ID (formerly known as Digital ID) and Global Entry lines are still moving faster, so if you have access, use them. If not, now’s the perfect time to sign up before spring travel.

• Check your flight status often. Look for changes 24 and 12 hours before your flight — not just the morning of. Some schedule tweaks may post quietly overnight.

• Check your airline's policies. Some airlines are waiving fees/penalties and refunding even non-refundable fares in light of the current situation. Check websites and if necessary, call customer service to see if you are eligible, especially if your travel needs are flexible.

• Pack your patience (and a snack). Airport restaurants and concessions may have limited staffing too, or may be overwhelmed by the volume of delayed and frustrated travelers, so don’t rely on that last-minute run to the fast food at the gate. Start early or bring your own.

• Keep essentials with you. Medications, chargers, and a small change of clothes should stay in your carry-on in case of unexpected delays.

• Fly early in the day. Those early morning flights are less likely to be canceled or delayed since aircraft and crews are already in place.

• Stay flexible and kind. TSA agents, ticket counter agents, gate agents and flight crews are navigating the same stressors, some without knowing when they will see their next paycheck — a little grace goes a long way.

If you ever face a cancellation or last-minute change, reach out. Whether it’s an airline reroute or a connection issue, you’re not in this alone. I will be happy to help or advise in any way I can.

What I love most about our community is how we travel with grace and patience. We understand that sometimes, these pauses — even the inconvenient ones — remind us how much we value movement, connection, and the freedom to explore.

If you’ve been thinking about booking your 2026 trip, this is actually a smart time to go ahead and secure your spot. Fewer flights in circulation means inventory will tighten, and prices could shift as airlines adjust. Locking in early gives you the best options and peace of mind.

So yes, flights may shuffle a bit. But your adventures? They’re still happening. The world is still waiting — glowing and beautiful as ever.

Take a breath. Pack a little extra patience next to your passport. And know that we’ve got your back every step of the way.