United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines Offer Refunds and Free Flight Changes as U.S. Government Shutdown Reduces Flight Capacity

Published on November 7, 2025

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are offering refunds and free flight changes as a U.S. government shutdown reduces flight capacity. With the Federal Aviation Administration directing a cut of up to 10 percent of flights at 40 major U.S. airports due to air‑traffic‑controller staffing shortages, these carriers have introduced sweeping flexibility for travellers—including full refunds even on flights not officially cancelled. The move reflects escalating disruption in travel, but also gives tourists more control over their plans amid the uncertainty.

As the U.S. Government Shutdown Continues, United, Delta, and American Airlines Are Processing Refunds and Offering Passengers Free Changes to Their Flights

With the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, United, Delta, and American Airlines are helping ease the travel disruptions by refunding tickets and allowing customers to change their tickets without fees. Due to the ongoing shortages of personnel in the air traffic control towers, there have been significant disruptions to airline operations, particularly to major airports. United, Delta, and American Airlines are prioritizing the inconvenience of their customers. This is critical for people planning to travel to the United States, especially during this time of global travel restrictions.

U.S. Government Shutdown Creates Chaos for Travelers

As of November 2025, the air traffic control restrictions have been extended to the southern and western states during busy flying hours. Per the guidelines of the FAA, there will be a 10% reduction in air traffic for the 40 major airports. This is the expected result of the move, and it is making the travel and tourism industry to be in a complete standstill, which the airline will have to pay for in reputation.

Recent events concerning travelers from different countries are beginning to feel the consequences of the situation. The U.S. travel ban is causing uncertainty for many international visitors to the U.S. While tourists try to avoid the disruptions to their travel plans, they will find it is not easy to do so. United, Delta, and American are being very flexible to accommodate any changes that travelers may need to make with no charge.

Refunds and Flexible Change Policies from United, Delta, and American Airlines

As the government shutdown continues to have an impact on travel, the key players in the airline industry, United, Delta, and American, have begun to provide their clientele with more flexible and accommodating policies.

United Airlines

United Airlines makes it super easy to get refunds and change flights for those impacted by the shutdown. The company claims everyone will get their money back if their travel plans are ruined because of the air traffic control shutdown or other problems associated with the operational shutdown. United Airlines will promise as much notification as possible before the flights will be impacted. United is removing portions of their international and hub-to-hub long flights while making most of their cuts to the regional flights and to the routes that do not travel between the major hubs.

For people wishing to travel during this time with United the most essential thing would be to not lose track of the travel flights. United has put in the necessary work to bring to a minimum the operational disabilities, though there will always be some operational disabilities to be expected, especially during flight to the most crowded traffic areas: New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. United has made it super easy to make changes to your travel, which for many people in this time is the most awesome thing, is to change their flight dates, or get a refund in case their flight is canceled.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has also been helping customers during this tough time. Like United, Delta allows passengers to change their flights and receive a full refund without penalties. Delta claims they are concentrating on the effect of the shutdown on passengers, especially on long-haul international flights.

Delta’s customer service has been helpful when it comes to rebookings and changes. Delta will even be flexible when the customers are traveling to, from, or through the impacted U.S. airports. Customers are not going to be left behind. Like it has always been, travelers should confirm their flight status with Delta before going to the airport. Customers should keep in mind that there may be delays because of staffing shortages.

American Airlines

American Airlines is also helping with the changes to flights due to the government shutdown. American Airlines has the largest network in the United States with a strong international service. American will be flexible with customers in regards to changes and refunds due to the shutdown. As with all of the other airlines, American Airlines is telling customers that they may make changes to their flights or receive a full refund.

American promises passengers that long haul international flights, especially to hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas will keep running. Domestically, however, there might be cancellations and delays, especially on flights that are not between major hubs. Directly impacted customers are encouraged to keep checking their flight status and exercise the flexible travel options. During this difficult time, American Airlines seems to be encouraging their customers to avoid any missed travel opportunities due to the ongoing situation.

Spirit Airlines and Other Carriers

Beyond the major airlines, providing the most extensive and publicized refund options, Spirit, and other regional airlines are also expected to provide passenger flexibilty. Spirit, while not publicized, will most likely be allowing passengers impacted by the prolonged shutdown to adjust their itineraries, which will, in turn, allow the airline to keep shifting their schedule as needed. Customer service is still a primary goal as this situation unfolds.

Impact on the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

The effect of the government shutdown is not only on the airlines, but also on the tourism and hospitality industries. The reduced air traffic and cancelled flights are impacting inbound U.S. tourism from Canada, Mexico, the U.K and Germany. Tourists are currently experiencing problems visiting U.S. highlights like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. due to cancelled and delayed flights.

Accommodations in major U.S. tourist markets are experiencing changes in occupancy. While some hotels report losing reservations, others report an increase in domestic clients who are choosing to drive to US major cities instead of flying. For clients considering travel to the US, hotel reservations should be made with the expectation of potential cancellations.

Also, because of the shutdown, staffing shortages have affected the hours of several large tourist attractions and museums and limited the services they offer. And of course, the shutdown also affects national parks, which many travelers go to. Limited staff means park rangers have to spread their attention thin and some parks may close or restrict access to some of the land. Travelers should understand these limitations and check what services will be available to them before their visit.

Traveling During a U.S. Government Shutdown

Traveling to the United States during a government shutdown? Here are some tips to make your experience easier.

1. Check Your Flight Status

Though more flexible than they have ever been, airlines still require some attention. Cancellations and delays will still happen, so it’s a good idea to download your airline’s mobile app or sign up for notifications. This way, you will know when your flight plan changes.

2. Plan for Longer Wait Times at Airports

Due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, you will experience longer wait times at large airports. To avoid the stress of running late, plan to arrive earlier than you usually would during these times. Expect additional wait times during security checks and while boarding the plane.

3. Review Accommodation Policies

If you already booked a stay, reach out to the hotel to ensure your reservation. At this point, you should also check the hotel’s cancellation policies, as most hotels have flexible rebooking policies. If you are still planning your trip, it may also help to find hotels that have refundable reservations.

4. Prepare to be Patient and Flexible

You need to be especially patient while traveling in the US. For some routes, there may be fewer flights, and schedules are still subject to change. Have backup plans in place in the event your flight or hotel experiences any changes.

5. Look at Different Airports

If you are going to major hubs, like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, you may want to find smaller airports to fly in and out of. These smaller airports may be less busy and have a better flight schedule. These changes may save you time and help avoid any disruptions that are caused by the shutdown.

6. Assess the Need For Travel Insurance

During these times, travel insurance can be extremely helpful. If you have not purchased any travel insurance, look for one that covers trip plans being changed, cancelled, or interrupted as well as delaying flights for any reason that may include a government shutdown.

7. Learn About Changes to National Parks and Other Sites Some national parks and other popular places have limited areas to visit and for how long. To avoid disappointment, check their official websites for any openings, or call them to see if there are any restrictions or changes to entry guidelines.

What to Know About Your Upcoming Flight

Here are the latest travel restrictions and flight details pertaining to travel to and from the U.S. to help with your planning.

• Domestic Flight Changes: There will be a 10% decrease in the number of flights during this period at 40 of the busiest U.S. airports, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Air travel will likely be more limited than normal.
• International Air Travel: Long-haul international flights will likely be unaffected during this period, but be sure to check in with your carrier.
• Change Fees: Airlines, including United, Delta, and American, have relaxed their policies pertaining to change and cancellation fees, allowing for changes to be made for free. To avoid issues, check the flight status before going to the airport.

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines are offering refunds and free flight changes as the U.S. government shutdown leads to reduced flight capacity. This move comes as air traffic controller staffing shortages cause significant disruptions at major airports across the country.

Travel in the U.S. During the Shutdown

U.S. government shutdowns have impacted tourist travel. Luckily, American, Delta, and United have made an effort to cater to their passenger’s needs. With the hospitality and tourism industries under considerable pressure, the need to communicate, be proactive, and anticipate changes has never been more critical.

Through a little research and preparation, you can maximize your visit to the United States, even given the uncertainties surrounding the travel situation. This includes monitoring relevant news on airline and tourist flow, and leaving ample time to get through the airport and check in to hotels. Uncertainty does not have to be your unfortunate travel companion. With good planning, you can travel freely and with limited stress.