Travelers brace for holiday delays amid government shutdown and flight reductions

Barring a last-minute breakthrough to end the shutdown, the targeted airports will see a 4% reduction in flights starting Friday that will continue into the middle of next week, an industry source familiar with the government’s plans.

As the government shutdown continues, more challenges await passengers as they deal with the newest announcement from the administration: a 10 percent cut in flights at 40 U.S. airports.

Travelers braced for canceled flights, scrambled plans and holidays stranded in airports. On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary said airline traffic will be reduced by 10% across 40 locations starting Friday amid staffing interruptions. Aviation and travel experts expect more delays and cancellations, along with longer TSA lines, if the shutdown does not end before Thanksgiving.

Officials said flight cuts are coming to major airports amid the funding crisis, which has now lasted for 37 days. The news comes just weeks ahead of a busy holiday travel season. The cuts come days after warning air travel could be disrupted due to the mounting pressure on the country’s air traffic controllers.

Travel experts warn that if conditions persist, Thanksgiving week could become one of the most disrupted holiday travel periods in recent memory. The lack of instruction from the administration for most of the day fueled angst among would-be travelers, who were left to repeatedly hit the refresh button on their bookings.

Travelers at John F Kennedy international airport in New York on Wednesday. United, Southwest and Delta have announced they will be reducing flights amid continuing shutdown. Some holiday travelers might be better off driving to their destinations given the potential for flight disruptions, Nastro added. Booking early morning flights, such as those that depart between 6 a.m.