FAA flight restrictions start Friday at 40 U.S. airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airport in Houston are also on the list of impacted airports.

Read on for your options with each airline if you decide not to travel during the FAA schedule restriction.

CANCELLATION REFUNDS

The FAA said it is reducing air traffic by up to 10% in 40 high-volume airports – beginning November 7. The FAA said the air traffic restriction would relieve staffing shortages during the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Essential federal workers, including air traffic controllers, have been working without pay for more than a month.

If your flight is canceled, airlines will automatically rebook you. U.S. Department of Transportation rules say customers are entitled to a refund if the airline cancels a flight for any reason and a customer does not want to rebook. A consumer does not have to accept a travel voucher or other forms of compensation, according to the DOT. Refunds should include fees paid for services like WiFi or checked bags.

If your flight is not canceled, but you don’t want to travel during the FAA schedule restriction, many airlines are waiving cancellation and change fees even for nonrefundable basic economy tickets.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

American Airlines said it is reducing flight schedules by 4% Friday through Monday at 40 airports, per FAA requirements. That amounts to around 220 canceled flights per day. The airline said around 6,000 daily flights will continue without disruption. Long-haul international flights would not be impacted by the schedule restriction.

American Airlines issued this travel waiver for customers who choose not to travel. Customers can change their flight or request a refund without penalty.

In an email to NBC 5, the airline said, “We’re deeply grateful to federal aviation workers who continue working without pay to keep our skies safe. This is unacceptable. We, once again, urge leaders in Washington to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown.”

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

Southwest Airlines said all customers, with reservations booked through Wednesday, can change their flights or receive a refund if they choose not to travel, even if their flight is not affected by schedule reductions.

On its website, Southwest Airlines shared its refund policy for customers who do not want to travel during this period. It says customers with a reservation for travel between November 7 and November 12 can rebook or travel standby without paying a change in airfare.

It also says customers who would like to cancel their trip can request a method-of-payment refund. That includes non-refundable fares. After canceling your reservation, request a refund by filling out this form.

Southwest said international flights will not be affected.

In an email, a Southwest spokesperson said, “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees. We continue to urge Congress to immediately resolve its impasse and restore the National Airspace System to its full capacity. “

UNITED AIRLINES

United said it is adjusting its schedule through Sunday in response to FAA-directed airspace restrictions. United said it will routinely update this page with the list of flight cancellations.

United said any customer who chooses not to travel at this time can request a refund, even if their flight isn’t directly impacted. United’s FAQ said customers traveling between November 6 and 13 are eligible for a refund if the ticket was purchased on or before November 4, 2025 — even if the flight isn’t canceled. That includes non-refundable tickets and Basic Economy tickets.

United said its hub-to-hub and international flights will not be impacted by this schedule reduction.

United added, “We’re grateful to the air traffic controllers and TSA teams for their continued dedication to keeping our skies safe, and we remain hopeful for a swift resolution.”

DELTA AIRLINES

Delta said it expects to operate the vast majority of flights as scheduled, including all long-haul international service. It published a list of affected cities online and its refund and rebooking options here.

Delta said it is providing additional flexibility to customers during the impacted travel period to change or cancel their flights, including basic economy fares, without penalty.

Customers who elect not to travel may cancel their reservation and receive a refund of the unused portion of their ticket. You can request a refund here.

MAKE SURE YOU GET NOTIFICATIONS

Each airline recommends downloading its app and logging in for your trip to ensure you receive flight notifications. Airlines said they will also communicate cancellations via the contact information the consumer shared upon booking.

Websites like Flight Aware offer flight tracking to give you a sense of what’s happening in the system. Its misery map specifically tracks delays and cancellations.

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