Government Shutdown & FAA Flight Reductions — What Travelers Need to Know

Overview

As the U.S. federal government shutdown continues, its effects are rippling through the aviation system. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a phased 10% reduction in flights at 40 major U.S. airports due to mounting strain on air traffic controllers and other essential staff working without pay.

The FAA issued an emergency order that began with a 4% cut, expanded to 7% on November 7, and will reach 10% by November 14, 2025.
International flights are initially exempt. This move is a proactive safety step, as officials cite “system stress” caused by staffing shortages.

Major airports impacted include:
ATL (Atlanta), ORD (Chicago O’Hare), DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth), LAX (Los Angeles), and JFK (New York), among others.

What Travelers Can Do to Plan Ahead

Given the reduction in flight capacity and the continuing effects of the shutdown, travelers should plan carefully and stay flexible:

Check your flight status often. Use your airline’s app and confirm with both your departure and arrival airports.
Arrive early. Security and boarding may take longer with staffing shortages at TSA and ATC.
Plan for connections. With fewer available flights, avoid tight layovers when possible.
Book morning flights. Early departures are less likely to face cascading delays.
Have a backup plan. If travel is critical, consider flexible fares or alternate transportation.
Know your rights. If your flight is canceled in the U.S., you’re entitled to a cash refund for the unused portion of your ticket.
Stay informed. Check airport advisories for location-specific updates.

How Travel Insurance May Help

The effects of the shutdown vary across insurers and policy types. Here’s what most travelers need to know:

Trip Cancellation:

A government shutdown alone is not typically a covered reason for trip cancellation.
Cancellation coverage may apply only if there is a complete government-mandated closure of an airport, cruise port, or similar facility for at least 6–12 consecutive hours.
Reduced schedules, staffing shortages, or partial shutdowns generally do not qualify.

Trip Delay:

If your trip is delayed longer than the threshold stated in your plan (often 6–12 hours), your policy may reimburse reasonable expenses such as meals or lodging, up to daily and total limits.
Covered delay causes often include airline delays, strikes that stop service completely, severe weather, or mandatory evacuation due to natural disaster.
If the shutdown results in a full and documented suspension of airport operations, some plans may treat this under a mandated-closure clause.

Known Event Reminder:

Travel insurance must be purchased before an event occurs for it to be covered.
Because the government shutdown became a known event on October 1, 2025, policies purchased after that date will not provide coverage for losses related to it.
Policies purchased before October 1, 2025, may still offer benefits, depending on your state and policy wording.

Important: Contact Your Insurer Directly

Every insurance provider defines coverage differently, and wording can vary widely from one policy to another.
We strongly recommend contacting your insurance carrier or plan administrator directly for clarification.

Each insurer’s interpretation of this event may differ — some may not reference it explicitly, others may treat it as a known event or an exclusion.
We are not the insurer; we’re providing general guidance based on available information.

For definitive answers, review:

Your plan’s Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Missed Connection, or Trip Delay sections
Your policy document and carrier instructions
Your insurer’s claims department contact information

If You Haven’t Purchased Coverage Yet

Travel insurance offers protection against many future unforeseen events — but it cannot cover events that are already known or in progress.
While the current shutdown won’t be covered under new policies, purchasing travel protection now can safeguard you from unexpected issues like medical emergencies, weather disruptions, or new government advisories on future trips.

Key Takeaways

The FAA’s 10% flight reduction across major airports is a significant travel disruption risk if the shutdown persists.
Travelers should plan proactively, build buffer time into itineraries, and stay flexible.
Coverage depends on your plan type, purchase date, and state regulations.
Policies issued before Oct. 1, 2025, may include limited protection; policies issued after will not.
Keep thorough documentation — delays, cancellations, receipts, and communication from airlines or carriers are vital for any claim.

Helpful Links

Quick FAQ

Is a government shutdown a covered reason to cancel my trip?
No, not unless it causes a complete government-mandated closure of a travel facility for six to twelve hours or more.

What if my flight is delayed?
If the delay exceeds your plan’s required time frame, you may be reimbursed for reasonable additional expenses such as meals or lodging. Always save receipts and airline notices.

Can I buy a policy now to cover shutdown-related issues?
No. The shutdown became a known event on October 1, 2025. New policies won’t cover related losses, though they can still cover future unforeseen events.

Who should I contact first if my flight is canceled?
Start with your airline for rebooking or refunds—they’re your first line of assistance. Then contact your insurer or plan administrator about coverage questions.

What documentation should I keep?
Boarding passes, receipts, airline communications, and any official delay or cancellation notices. These are key for any claim.

Final Thoughts

This is an unprecedented and evolving situation. If your flight is delayed or canceled, contact your airline first for rebooking or refunds, then reach out to your insurer for plan-specific guidance.

Keep all documentation and receipts if you intend to file a claim.
We’ll continue to monitor developments and update this article as more information becomes available.

Note: Coverage varies by plan and state. All claims are reviewed by the insurer in accordance with your policy terms and applicable laws.

⚖️ Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee coverage or benefit eligibility. Plans vary by provider, and all benefits are subject to policy terms and exclusions.

Please note: Insurance Consultants International is not the claims department and does not determine claim outcomes. All decisions regarding coverage and reimbursement are made by the licensed claims administrator named in your plan documents.

It is the insured’s responsibility to review their full policy documents to understand what is and is not covered.