Name: What to expect if youre traveling by air as flight delays surge
Uploaded: 2025-11-08T22:15:06.573Z
Duration: 1 min 37 s
Description: Flight delays surged this week as the government shutdown continued to cause air traffic control staffing issues. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave has tips on what to expect and how to plan ahead.

Flight delays surged this week as the government shutdown continued to cause air traffic control staffing issues. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave has tips on what to expect and how to plan ahead.

Los Angeles International Airport

Airlines have already notified passengers about flight cancellations for the upcoming weekend, but further disruptions and delays remain possible due to ongoing air traffic control staffing issues. The percentage of canceled flights is expected to rise over the next week, with airlines working to inform travelers in advance to minimize surprises at the airport.

Travelers are encouraged to remain flexible, check their flight status regularly, and consider backup plans such as alternative transportation. Rental car companies have reported a significant increase in one-way reservations, indicating that some travelers are already seeking alternatives to flying.

What to expect if you're traveling by air as flight delays surge

If you're heading into a bit of uncertainty as you make your way to the airport this weekend or next, you are not alone. CBS News transportation correspondent Chris Van Cleve has more on what you and the millions of other travelers can expect over the coming days. American Airlines and other carriers tell us they have already made their cancellation decisions through the weekend. So anyone flying this weekend would have already been notified by now if their flight was canceled. But there is still the possibility of disruptions and delays because of air traffic control staffing. It's a bit like shutdown delay roulette. We know there's gonna be some problems. We know there are gonna be some delays. We don't necessarily know where they are or when they're gonna happen or how bad they'll be. As we look to Tuesday, those numbers will bump up. There'll be more canceled flights Tuesday when the airlines have to take out 6% of their flights instead of four. By Thursday, it'll be 8%. Next Friday, it'll be that 10% number. So there will be a growing number of cancellations, but the airlines tell us they are working to notify people in advance to avoid folks getting to the airport and being surprised. So flexibility is important. Pay attention to your flight status. Check the app for the airline. They will notify you in advance. And of course, always, if you need it, think about a backup plan, whether that's leaving earlier, or if you're gonna be in the airport for a couple of days, think about a backup plan. Some folks we know have looked at renting cars. Hertz says their one-way reservations for this weekend are up 20% compared to last year. For CBS Saturday Morning, I'm Chris Van Cleave in Phoenix.

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