According to FlightAware data, more than 1,000 flights were canceled Saturday, with over 1,100 more grounded by Sunday afternoon. The DOT’s plan could lead to over 13,000 flights being canceled or significantly delayed nationwide in the next week, based on estimates from Hopper.
At Nashville International Airport (BNA), the morning began quietly, with minimal TSA wait times and sparse lines. But beneath the calm, passengers expressed growing concern over limited flight options and the uncertainty ahead of Thanksgiving travel.
Flights are delayed: Travelers Frustrated
“The best thing travelers can do is be as proactive as possible, switching to a new flight,” advised Scott Keyes, founder of Going. “When a flight gets canceled all of a sudden, hundreds of passengers need new itineraries. There may only be a handful of seats left on the best flights, and it’s a first-come, first-served endeavor.”
Keyes recommended using mobile apps to rebook, noting that “most airlines have made it simple for travelers to rebook themselves, free of charge.” For those stuck on long customer service lines, he added, “Try calling an airline’s international number — wait times are often much shorter.”
Refunds, Waivers, and Insurance: What Travelers Should Know
Under DOT rules, passengers are entitled to a full refund if an airline cancels their flight or causes a “significant delay” — three hours for domestic trips or six for international ones. Even when the government shutdown causes the delay, airlines are still required to issue refunds.
