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Thanksgiving Air Travel 2025: How the U.S. Government Shutdown Could Affect Flights & Baggage Handling
This Thanksgiving is shaping up to be one of the busiest, and potentially most challenging, travel periods in recent memory. Even though the U.S. government shutdown may soon end, the U.S. aviation system will probably be strained for weeks to come. Fewer air traffic controllers, limited FAA inspections, and slower baggage handling are aligning to make this season especially unpredictable for millions of passengers.
Here’s what you need to do and understand to prepare for Thanksgiving 2025.
Flight Delays & Cancellations: Shutdown Effects on Thanksgiving Air Travel
Even when Congress restores funding, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says flight reductions of up to 10% will continue across 40 major U.S. markets until staffing and safety levels stabilize. This means that flight restrictions could persist past the shutdown and lead to more delays and cancellations, with fewer rebooking options.
With all the flight cancellations, it’s easy to overlook the fact that TSA and certain ground crew members have also been affected by the shutdown. This has created bottlenecks throughout the system, so longer security screening lines and slower boarding will likely be the norm this Thanksgiving.
What to Do if Your Flight is Canceled: Refunds, Waivers, and Chargebacks
As you prepare to travel, remember that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guarantees your right to a full refund if your airline cancels your flight. You’re also entitled to a rebooking or a refund if the airline changes your scheduled departure or arrival time by 3 hours or more, your arrival or departure airport changes or connection is added to your itinerary. These refunds are your legal right as a U.S. passenger, even if you have a non-refundable ticket.
Don’t Accept Waivers or Travel Credits
When a flight is canceled, airlines typically encourage passengers to accept travel credits or vouchers instead of a refund, but these often expire within 12 months or limit the routes you can fly.
Also, keep in mind that accepting a travel credit or voucher usually waives your right to a cash refund. So, if you prefer to get your money back, just tell the airline you want a full refund of your ticket, which will include any add-ons like meals or extra legroom, taxes, and fees. The airline then has a responsibility to give you your money back within 7 days of the cancellation if you bought your ticket with a credit card or 20 days if you used a different form of payment.
If You Don’t Get Your Refund
If your airline fails to process your refund within these time periods, you should follow up with them first. If that doesn’t work, you can file a complaint with the U.S. DOT, but this doesn’t force the airline to refund you.
So, to get your money back, you can contact your card issuer and initiate a chargeback. This consumer protection allows you to dispute a charge when services weren’t delivered. You’ll just need to provide your credit card company with booking confirmations, cancellation emails, and any correspondence you’ve had with your airline.
If you need help getting your money back, let us know. We can help with your refund claim.
How the Shutdown Could Affect Your Checked Baggage
During peak travel weeks like Thanksgiving, baggage systems are stretched thin, but this year, the government shutdown will likely make the situation worse for passengers.
If your checked bag doesn’t show up within 30 minutes of arrival, go straight to the airline’s baggage desk before you leave the airport and complete a Property Irregularity Report. You don’t want to skip this step because if your baggage is damaged or permanently lost, this document will be your ticket to as much as $4,700 in compensation. Without it, your claim will be denied.
You can buy replacement items if your bags go missing, but keep detailed records and save your receipts. Even if your suitcase is returned to you, you can still file a reimbursement claim for these expenses.
Need help? AirAdvisor can handle the paperwork, communication, and baggage compensation claim on your behalf.Check Your Flight
Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Tips
Thanksgiving holiday travel is challenging at the best of times, but this year with the effect of the government shutdown, it’s even more important to do what you can to avoid flight issues. Here are a few things to consider.
Get to the Airport Much Earlier Than Usual
Normally, getting to the airport 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 for international is fine, this year you want to build in even more time. TSA officers are short staffed and working under a lot of pressure. Security wait times are lasting over 3 hours at some larger airports because of checkpoint closures and land reductions. So, give yourself an extra hour or two.
Stay on Top of Your Flight
Gate changes, delays, and cancellations might be more commonplace this year, so stay current with these changes by downloading your airline’s app and opt in to notifications and alerts. Also, check the status of your flight every day for the few days ahead of your flight.
If your flight is canceled, start looking for a replacement flight immediately. Your airline will probably rebook you automatically, but with reduced flights, rebooking might be more difficult so, start looking for replacement flights right away.
Stay Informed About TSA Wait Times
Even though the official TSA app may not be updated during the shutdown, some airports publish their own live wait-time estimates. Check airport websites or social channels before you head out.
Be Flexible and Have a Backup Plan
This year, you’ll want to have a backup plan in mind in case flight cancellations and delays start to stack up. Also, keep your phone fully charged, and bring a portable charger. Keeping printed copies of key documents will also help out if power outages or Wi-Fi issues affect your phone or tablet.
Even as the U.S. government reopens, the effects of the shutdown will linger through the Thanksgiving travel season. Flight schedules, airport staffing, and baggage handling will all take time to stabilize, so do whatever you can to prepare. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and know your rights. If your flight is canceled or your bag goes missing, remember that you’re entitled to refunds and baggage compensation. And if you need help getting what you’re owed from an airline, let us know.
Author:
Joanna Teljeur
Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead
Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development with a focus on consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work centers on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.
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