As the federal government shutdown continues into record territory, the FAA has ordered a 10% reduction in flights to 40 major airports nationwide, leading to delays across the U.S. that could impact Thanksgiving travel plans for Michiganders flying through Lansing.
On Thursday, Nov. 6., the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Transportation Department outlined plans for a 10% reduction in flights at 40 high traffic airports — Detroit Metro Airport included — due to the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history, which began Oct. 1. As a consequence of the shutdown, flight delays due to staffing shortages have been building up, with air traffic controllers working without pay.
Duffy did not specify how long the restrictions might last, but officials said that they will begin on Friday morning, Nov. 7. The FAA and Transportation Department later said 4% of flights would be cancelled on Nov. 7, ramping up to 6% by Tuesday, Nov. 11, 8% on Thursday, Nov. 13, and 10% on Nov. 14.
Lansing Capital Region Airport was not on the list of airports directly affected by the FAA order, but many flights originating in Lansing connect to flights in Detroit. Flights from Lansing also connect to other airports nationwide that are affected by the order, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Orlando, Florida.
Here’s what to know:
What are airlines saying?
Airlines across the country are adjusting to restrictions in airports across the U.S. Some offer a full refund to passengers while others are still figuring out how the reduction in flights will impact them. Here’s what airlines flying through Lansing have to say:
How can I check flight status at Capital Regional International Airport?
Check flight status for Capital Region International Airport online.
How to check your flight status at Detroit Metro Airport
Travelers at Detroit Metro Airport can check their flight status online for both arrivals and departures at the airport’s official website.
How can I check flight status at Gerald R. Ford International Airport?
You can check flight status for Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids online.
How to check TSA security, border wait times
The TSA and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provide information on wait times at airports and border crossings.
The TSA app allows travelers to check and post airport delays reported by travelers in real time.
Additionally, the CBP’s app has estimated wait times for border crossings between Canada and the U.S., between Mexico and the U.S., and other land borders.
Can I see which airports are experiencing delays?
FlightStats by Cirium provides real time airport delay information online.
Does the airline have to compensate me for a delayed flight?
The U.S. Department of Transportation maintains a website listing what each airline will do in the event of a delay or cancellation.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: FAA flight reductions could affect Lansing airport. Here’s how
Reporting by Jalen Williams and Dan Basso, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
