FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Long lines and wait times, with thousands of flights to be cut per day.<\/p>\n
Amid the country’s longest government shutdown, the FAA announced a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports nationwide.<\/p>\n
Air Traffic Controllers Union President Jerry O’Gorman says, “You can’t run a system on the backs of people, unpaid workers and expect it to last very long.”<\/p>\n
From Chicago to Dallas, Las Vegas to LAX, all of the national flight options out of Fresno are on the list to face reductions.<\/p>\n
It was smooth sailing for Matt Cook arriving in Fresno from Denver, “Security at Denver, we were worried we had a 6:50 flight this morning. We left the house at 3:30 and we got through there pretty quick.”<\/p>\n
But with Denver on the list of impacted airports, he’s concerned about his flight back home.<\/p>\n
“Let’s hope come Sunday, when I come home, it doesn’t hinder. I might if I have to stay an extra day in Fresno. I hope I can find something fun to do for the day,” Cook says.<\/p>\n
FAA officials call the decision a proactive move to maintain a safe system.<\/p>\n
Now over a month without pay, Fresno Air Traffic Controllers remain on the frontlines, today receiving their second $0 paystub.<\/p>\n
“Our last full paycheck was September 30th, now. There are people who’ve had to do things on the side to bring in money that their family needs. It’s definitely a daunting road ahead,” says O’Gorman.<\/p>\n
With looming cancellations, travelers have rights.<\/p>\n
According to the Department of Transportation, passengers are entitled to a refund if a flight is cancelled but you won’t get your money back if you choose to take an alternate or delayed flight.<\/p>\n
Doug Johnson with AAA recommends travelers consider buying flight insurance, getting TSA Pre-Check or just opting to drive, especially as we near the Thanksgiving holiday.<\/p>\n
I think we saw last weekend a lot of cancellations and delays at SFO, so already this has an impact even before the reduction of flights again; it’s going to be a long time at the airport. You might have a longer-than-expected wait times,” says Johnson.<\/p>\n
Americans nationwide are warned that they must be prepared to be patient.<\/p>\n
“I hope this gets resolved soon, just for everybody that is is under a federal paycheck, Cook said. “I hope it gets resolved and they can resume their lives as normal.”<\/p>\n
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