FAA flight cuts impact PHL. Here's how airlines are handling the changes

Hundreds of flights have been canceled as FAA reductions take effect Friday at 40 high-traffic airports, including Philadelphia.

Direction from the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation to reduce flight schedules come amid safety concerns during the ongoing government shutdown.

The purpose of the move is to relieve pressure on the national aviation system, where air traffic controllers and TSA staff have been working without pay. Staffing shortages have led to delays across the country.

Airlines said this week, they will communicate with customers on any significant changes to their flights.

Here’s a look at how American, United, Southwest, and Delta are handling the changes:

AMERICAN:

American’s website cites “severe weather or uncontrollable events” impacting flight and travel dates, as reasons why a trip may be changed without a change fee.

A travel alert was issued regarding the new directive, which includes information on refunds: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/travel-alerts.jsp#flightreduction

American said in a statement, it expects the “vast majority” of customers’ travel to unaffected, but it will “proactively” reach out to impacted customers. In the meantime, it is encouraging customers check flight statuses here: https://www.aa.com/travelInformation/flights/status

UNITED:

United said long-haul international flying will not be affected, nor will flights that connect its hub airports: Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Newark Liberty International, San Francisco and Washington Dulles.

Schedule changes for Nov. 7-9 are now online, with a list of canceled flights for each date: https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/company/company-info/airline-schedule-reductions.html

United said customers who are traveling during this period and do not wish to fly are still eligible for a refund, even if their flight isn’t impacted. That includes non-refundable tickets and Basic Economy tickets.

Information on United travel waivers: https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/trip-planning/travel-alerts.html#fly-waivers-7740

SOUTHWEST:

Southwest said it plans to communicate directly with customers as soon as possible on any changes. If your flight is canceled, the airline will notify you via the contact information that was shared at booking.

In most cases, Southwest will automatically rebook you on another flight and passengers will receive a follow-up message once they have been rebooked.

If your flight has been canceled and you decide not to travel, you are eligible for a refund: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/faa-flight-reductions

DELTA:

Delta said it is trying to give customers as much notice as possible about any changes to their flights and providing “additional flexibility to our customers traveling to, from or through the impacted markets to change, cancel or refund their flights”. This includes Delta Main Basic fares, without penalty during this travel period.

Information on Delta travel waivers and how to sign up for alerts: https://www.delta.com/us/en/advisories/other-alerts/faa-directive

Here’s how to check flight statuses through Delta: https://www.delta.com/flightstatus/search

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