Travelers flying through Sacramento International Airport are not being directly affected by new Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions, but many are expressing concerns about connecting flights as delays ripple through major airports across the country.The FAA began implementing restrictions Nov. 7, reducing flights by 4 percent at 40 major airports. The agency plans to increase those reductions to 10 percent in the coming weeks.The move is aimed at easing pressure on air traffic control staff, who have gone unpaid since the start of the ongoing federal shutdown.Lain Hensley, a traveler from Chico, said the changes forced him to adjust his plans.“I’m going to Austin, but my flight originally went through LAX,” Hensley said. “I’m getting up a bit earlier to catch a direct flight — the fewer variables, the better.”Other travelers said they haven’t felt much impact yet. One family reported it took only about five minutes to get through Transportation Security Administration screening.In a statement, Sacramento International Airport said:While Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is not currently subject to FAA flight operation limits, travelers may experience delays or schedule adjustments due to FAA restrictions at other airports. Airline schedules may change to accommodate national airspace management needs.Passengers should check directly with their airline for the most current flight status and itinerary updates before traveling to the airport. Because of the holiday Tuesday, we are also recommending travelers give themselves extra time overall.AAA spokesperson Doug Johnson said travelers should prepare for potential disruptions and have backup plans in place.“Plan ahead,” Johnson said. “If you can rent a car earlier, it’s probably better to do it sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until the last minute.”Rental car companies such as Hertz are already reporting a 20 percent surge in one-way rentals as travelers seek alternatives.Nationwide, airlines are experiencing hundreds of cancellations, with Southwest canceling about 120 flights and American Airlines canceling roughly 220. United Airlines is advising passengers to check their mobile app frequently for schedule changes.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Travelers flying through Sacramento International Airport are not being directly affected by new Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions, but many are expressing concerns about connecting flights as delays ripple through major airports across the country.

The FAA began implementing restrictions Nov. 7, reducing flights by 4 percent at 40 major airports. The agency plans to increase those reductions to 10 percent in the coming weeks.

The move is aimed at easing pressure on air traffic control staff, who have gone unpaid since the start of the ongoing federal shutdown.

Lain Hensley, a traveler from Chico, said the changes forced him to adjust his plans.

“I’m going to Austin, but my flight originally went through LAX,” Hensley said. “I’m getting up a bit earlier to catch a direct flight — the fewer variables, the better.”

Other travelers said they haven’t felt much impact yet. One family reported it took only about five minutes to get through Transportation Security Administration screening.

In a statement, Sacramento International Airport said:

While Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is not currently subject to FAA flight operation limits, travelers may experience delays or schedule adjustments due to FAA restrictions at other airports. Airline schedules may change to accommodate national airspace management needs.

Passengers should check directly with their airline for the most current flight status and itinerary updates before traveling to the airport. Because of the holiday Tuesday, we are also recommending travelers give themselves extra time overall.

AAA spokesperson Doug Johnson said travelers should prepare for potential disruptions and have backup plans in place.

“Plan ahead,” Johnson said. “If you can rent a car earlier, it’s probably better to do it sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until the last minute.”

Rental car companies such as Hertz are already reporting a 20 percent surge in one-way rentals as travelers seek alternatives.

Nationwide, airlines are experiencing hundreds of cancellations, with Southwest canceling about 120 flights and American Airlines canceling roughly 220. United Airlines is advising passengers to check their mobile app frequently for schedule changes.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel