Nov. 7, 2025, 12:00 AM EST / Updated Nov. 7, 2025, 2:15 PM ESTBy Rob WileThe U.S. Department of Transportation is ordering airlines to begin reducing flight schedules at 40 “high traffic” airports by 10%, as the government shutdown approaches a record-40th day.Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the cuts are designed to “alleviate the pressure” on air traffic controllers who are now working without pay due to lapses in federal funding. FAA administrator Bryan Bedford says the restrictions — which will begin Friday — are needed to maintain safety because “fatigue” is hitting air traffic controllers.Major carriers announced that they will begin implementing schedule changes in the coming days.But analysts caution that the situation remains subject to change, and stressed that airline ticket holders should check directly with carriers for the latest updates to their travel.So what happens if your flight is affected? Passengers will be eligible for refunds if their flight is cancelled due to the government shutdown and they choose not to accept a rebooked flight. Major carriers are required to automatically rebook passengers whose flights are canceled at no charge — or refund the airfare if the passenger decides not to accept the new flight.Many major airlines are also waiving change fees and penalties for passengers who are looking to switch their flights on their own, though some carriers are applying limits. United Airlines has issued a waiver for select flights departing between Nov. 6 – 13, but said rebooked flights must be on United and must depart within a specific window that covers the six days on either side of the original travel date.The United waivers and refund policies will even apply to passengers who have non-refundable or basic-economy tickets.American Airlines’ change-fee waiver also applies to all fare levels for affected flights between Nov. 7 – 14, but only for passengers who are able to travel by Nov. 16.