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Flight chaos grips US airports as some airlines advise booking ‘backup ticket’: See the list
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Over 1,000 flights are now experiencing delays as flight cancellations grow during the government shutdown.
As of 10:45 a.m. ET on Thursday, 1,615 flights within, into or out of the U.S. had been delayed, while 49 had been canceled, according to FlightAware.com.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a flight reduction plan limiting air travel capacity at 40 airports.
AMERICANS COULD FACE AIRPORT CHAOS IF DEMS DON’T END SHUTDOWN, TRUMP OFFICIAL WARNS
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told “Fox & Friends” on Thursday travelers might see additional delays.
“Now, does that mean there’s going to be no delays? No … there’s potentially still going to be delays if we have staffing triggers, and we don’t have enough controllers in an aerospace where we did cut 10%, you might see additional delays,” said Duffy.
The U.S. government shutdown has triggered 1,000-plus flight delays as the FAA cuts capacity at 40 airports. (AP Photo/Lekan Oyekanmi)
Many airlines are updating customer policies and warning travelers of potential itinerary updates.
Here are a few worth noting.
United Airlines
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby updated employees in a press release about the impact of FAA reductions.
“United’s long-haul international flying and our hub-to-hub flying will not be impacted,” wrote Kirby.
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The Chicago-based airline is offering refunds to customers who do not want to fly during imposed restrictions on flights, “even if their flight isn’t impacted.”
Travelers will be notified if there are any changes to their flight through the United app, website and push notifications.
Airlines offer refunds and policy changes amid ongoing travel disruptions. (Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images)
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is evaluating how the flight restrictions will “affect our schedule and will communicate directly with customers as soon as possible,” according to the company’s website.
The Dallas-based airline is reminding travelers they must cancel their reservations at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time in accordance with airline policy.
American Airlines
American Airlines wrote in a press release that the company “expect[s] the vast majority of [its] customers’ travel will be unaffected.”
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However, American says it will reach out to customers as schedule changes are made.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline is placing pressure on Congress, emphasizing the strain on the aviation industry.
“As we come into Thanksgiving, if we’re still in the shutdown posture, it’s going to be rough out there,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)
“We continue to urge leaders in Washington to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown,” the release added.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines will waive change or cancellation fees for flights between Nov. 6 to Nov. 12, and travelers will be refunded through travel credits for their itinerary, the company said.
Frontier CEO Barry Biffle shared travel advice with followers on Instagram.
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“If you are flying Friday or in the next 10 days, and need to be there or don’t want to be stranded, I highly recommend booking a backup ticket on another carrier,” wrote Biffle.
Delta Air Lines
Delta said it is also expecting to “operate the vast majority” of its flights as scheduled.
The company said it is providing “additional flexibility” to customers with changes, cancellations or refund requests.
More information and insight
Duffy said Americans should still book holiday travel if they see deals they would like to grab, but also said it is “hard to predict” what may happen.
“As we come into Thanksgiving, if we’re still in the shutdown posture, it’s going to be rough out there. Really rough,” said Duffy. “And we’ll mitigate the safety side, but will you fly on time? Will your flight actually go? That is yet to be seen, but there’ll be more disruption.”
“Given the possible reduction in scheduled flights, the airlines will try to rebook canceled flights to the next available flight.”
Speaking to Fox News Digital on Thursday morning, James Squires, director of the flight Desk at Travelmation Flights, said, “Given the possible reduction in scheduled flights, the airlines will try to rebook canceled flights to the next available flight. It is best for travelers to remain calm and to check with [their] airline’s website or mobile app with their confirmation code to check on flight status.”
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He added, “If a traveler has flexibility and wants to make a voluntary change, the airline may offer them a chance to reschedule their flight to an earlier time or to reschedule their trip altogether. Some of the airlines are also offering clients the opportunity to cancel and still receive refunds on nonrefundable tickets. Travelers should confirm with the airline before canceling.”
Rachel Wolf of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
There are just two days remaining before the 2026 NBA Draft. While the Dallas Mavericks still don’t have a head coach in place, rumors are starting to heat up about their draft plans. They have new management, led by team president Masai Ujiri and general manager Mike Schmitz, which could send the team in an entirely new direction.
As of Sunday, they enter the draft with the 9th, 30th, and 48th overall picks. According to reports, the Mavericks are willing to move up or down the board if the right players are available. There have been a lot of talks of them moving down, in particular, as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets each have two picks between 12 and 18.
If they are to trade down, NBA insider Jake Fischer has identified a possible prospect they would target: Washington’s Hannes Steinbach.
“Sources say that Steinbach, whose father, Burkhard, played alongside Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki on the German League team in their shared hometown of Wurzburg some 30 years ago, is among the prospects to have worked out for the Mavericks under consideration for the No. 9 pick,” Stein wrote on Saturday night.
Steinbach averaged 18.5 PPG while leading the country in rebounding at 11.8 RPG. At 6’10”, 248 pounds, and a 7’2″ wingspan, he also has the ability to stretch to three, hitting 18 of his 53 attempts in his lone year in college.
The Mavericks love the natives of Wurzburg, Germany. Obviously, the greatest player in franchise history is from there, but so was Maxi Kleber. An easy way to get the fans back on the team’s side is to get another German.
Drafting Hannes Steinbach Could Trigger Another Trade
If the Mavericks do end up leaving the 2026 NBA Draft with Hannes Steinbach, they would likely need to trade Daniel Gafford to make the roster work. Gafford is entering the first season of a three-year, $54 million contract extension, and with Dereck Lively II entering the final year of his rookie deal, they may extend him soon, even with the injuries.
Gafford drew trade interest at last season’s deadline, but they ended up hanging on to him once they traded Anthony Davis, believing they could get a first-round pick for him if they held out. Depending on how the draft shakes out Tuesday night, they might get that chance.
The Mavericks need to upgrade their backcourt, but if they’re able to trade back and add a player like Labaron Philon and a frontcourt player like Hannes Steinbach, it would be hard to complain.
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It was only a year ago that Duncan Robinson was traded to Detroit in a sign-and-trade for Simone Fontecchio. Now, in the present, the Miami Heat are in the mix for Giannis Antetokounmpo, a trade that would likely include multiple teams, one of which is the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons are rumored to have interest in the Miami Heat’s star guard Tyler Herro, and they would have to match the salary they take in to be eligible to make a deal. Some combination of Ducnan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert, and Paul Reed, would make the deal legal.
Said on Off the Floor a bit ago…. do not rule out the return of Duncan Robinson to Miami.
— Five Reasons Sports 🏀🏈⚾️🏒⚽️ (@5ReasonsSports) June 20, 2026
Why Miami Should Bring Him Back
The all-time Miami Heat leader in three-pointers made would be a perfect fit for a team led by Giannis and Bam Adebayo. The talks about Miami acquiring Giannis have gone straight to, who will score? Bring Duncan back, who had a career year in Detroit and that problem is solved, at least partially (the roster would still need more pieces).
The dribble hand offs, Duncan’s cutting ability, his three-point prowess, it would instantly make Miami’s offense more dangerous and would give them the opportunity to decide on retaining Norman Powell, or using the money tied up to him for other players.
Duncan Robinson had a Net on/off of +10.4 and was huge to Detroit’s success this past season. When Robinson was on the floor, the Pistons were better, simply put.
Tyler Herro to Pistons as part of 3-team trade that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to Heat “picking up steam,” per @KuKhahil.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 20, 2026
What This Means for a Deal
Because Detroit originally acquired Duncan Robinson via sign-and-trade, he is legally barred from returning to Miami during the current league year. For a multi-team blockbuster to bring both Robinson and Giannis Antetokounmpo to South Beach, the trade must be agreed to in principle now, but held until the new league year opens on July 1st.
This timing works perfectly for draft assets, allowing Miami to select at No. 13 on Milwaukee’s behalf. Furthermore, a July 1st execution date becomes mandatory if Nikola Jovic is involved due to his poison-pill restriction, and it opens the door to an even larger framework if Andrew Wiggins opts into his player option or Norman Powell enters the mix as a sign-and-trade candidate.
Getting Duncan Robinson back would be HUGE for the Miami Heat
— Austin Dobbins (@AustinDobbins13) June 20, 2026
Duncan Robinson averaged 18 points per game in the second round of this year’s playoffs and shot an incredible 58.8% from three.
Acquiring Giannis is step one for the Miami Heat, but filling out the roster is equally as important as depth wins, especially late in the year.
Bringing back Duncan Robinson is a real possibility, and it would be a huge win for the Miami Heat.
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The Atlanta Falcons are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, and they’ll be relying on a new coaching staff to help them get there. But Kevin Stefanski is no rookie; he’s a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, only now he’ll be working with an entirely different group of personnel after coaching in Cleveland since 2020.
In addition to a new coach, the Falcons may have a different starting quarterback as Michael Penix Jr. continues to rehab last season’s torn ACL. He’ll also be competing with Tua Tagovailoa. Together, the Falcons believe they can compete for a playoff spot in the NFC South, but to do so, they’ll need all the help they can get. Unfortunately, the Falcons may not have everyone on hand to start the season.
According to The Athletic‘s Falcons insider Josh Kendall, the NFL is “likely” to suspend edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
Pearce faces three felony charges after an incident with his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce’s charges are for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing the police, and resisting arrest with violence.
“Atlanta now appears to be waiting on the NFL to decide on Pearce. Under the league’s personal conduct policy, commissioner Roger Goodell has wide latitude to impose discipline regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. The league is likely to suspend Pearce. Steelers defensive back Cam Sutton was suspended eight games in 2024 after a domestic violence incident that began as a felony charge but was eventually reduced to a misdemeanor. Goodell could also place Pearce on the commissioner’s exempt list, which serves as an indefinite suspension while the league gathers more information.”
The Athletic’s Josh Kendall on James Pearce
Pearce is coming off an excellent rookie season that saw him record a team-high 10.5 sacks while starting three of his 17 appearances. The 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft looks like he’s poised to be a star. Yet, now the 22-year-old may have to wait to start his second NFL season. The question is how long?
If Pearce is forced to miss time, the Falcons will be counting on others, such as fellow 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker, to make a bigger impact. The 22-year-old Walker recorded 5.5 sacks, making nine sacks in 15 appearances.
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