How Airlines and Travel Companies Are Helping Passengers During the Government Shutdown

At the end of the weekend, senators reached a deal that would temporarily fund the government and bring an end (for a brief period, at least) to the shutdown, which has become the longest in U.S. history.

However, at this time, the government remains closed, and air travel remains significantly impacted by staffing issues in air traffic control centers and airports.

Airlines began issuing waivers, allowing passengers to change or cancel flights at no additional cost should their trips get disrupted. And now, other travel providers have begun offering more flexibility to guests affected by the disruptions in air travel.

Let’s take a look at the current state of waivers across the industry, so you can be informed of your options if you have travel coming up in the next few days.

The Latest on Travel Waivers Across the Industry

A few days ago, the FAA directed airlines to reduce total air traffic across the country by 10% to reduce pressure on a stressed aviation system. Predictably, chaos ensued, with thousands of flights canceled and delayed, leaving travelers stranded.

While there may be an end in sight for the government shutdown, that hasn’t happened yet, and things are still dicey, to say the least.

Airlines, and now other travel providers, have responded by issuing travel waivers, providing more flexibility to travelers whose journeys are impacted.

Let’s take a look at the latest from major airlines and other travel providers.

American Airlines

As of November 8, 2025, American Airlines has a travel waiver issued for travel through November 17, 2025. If you’re traveling to, from, or through the 21 affected airports, you can change your tickets (including basic economy) with waived change fees or cancel for a full refund.

Note that you must have purchased your tickets by November 5, 2025, and maintain your original origin and destination cities.

Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines

Alaska and Hawaiian are allowing passengers initially scheduled to fly through November 17, 2025, to change their itineraries through November 24, 2025, without incurring a fare difference. Cancellations can also be made without a fee for the affected period.

Delta Air Lines

Delta issued a travel waiver last week that provides affected passengers with more flexibility to change or cancel flights, even for those traveling in basic economy. If you’re scheduled to travel between now and November 14, 2025, you can reschedule your itinerary without having to pay a difference in fare (or a change fee) if that travel occurs before November 21, 2025.

Full refunds will be issued for canceled flights. However, if your flight is unaffected by the FAA mandate, you’ll need to request the refund yourself.

Frontier Airlines

Low-cost Frontier Airlines has a travel waiver in place that allows for fee-free changes (as long as the city pair remains the same) and cancellations for flights through November 12, 2025.

However, passengers will be responsible for fare differences if a rebooked itinerary is more expensive than the original ticket. Conversely, if the rebooked itinerary is cheaper, passengers will not receive a travel credit for the difference. Note, too, that if a flight is unaffected by FAA directives, a cancellation will only receive a travel credit, not a full refund.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is waiving change and cancellation fees for flights through November 14, 2025. Anyone whose flight was canceled can choose to be rebooked on another flight, receive a refund in the form of a travel credit, or receive a refund to the original payment method.

Passengers whose flights aren’t explicitly affected by the FAA mandate can rebook flights for travel through November 20, 2025, or request a refund from the airline.

Additionally, the airline is offering 2,000 bonus TrueBlue points if you choose a refund in the form of a travel credit.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is allowing passengers traveling through November 13, 2025, to rebook without paying a fare difference. Passengers can also request refunds for flights that are supposed to operate through November 13, 2025. The airline says that most passengers who are affected will be automatically rebooked.

Spirit Airlines

As of 3 p.m. CST, Spirit Airlines does not have a travel waiver in place.

United Airlines

United Airlines has a travel waiver in place that covers flights through November 13, 2025. Flights can be changed without incurring a fare difference, provided the new flights occur between 6 days before and 6 days after the original travel date. Canceled flights are eligible for a full refund. United maintains a list of canceled flights, which you can view here.

Other Travel Providers Providing Flexibility for Travelers

Airlines aren’t the only ones affected by the mess in the skies. Other travel providers, including cruise lines and hotel chains, have implemented policies to support travelers affected by the disruptions in air travel.

Hilton has issued a waiver for travelers affected by FAA-mandated flight cancellations. Guests with stays in the U.S. booked from now through November 14, 2025, can make changes to their reservations or cancel them altogether without any additional fees.

Requests and proof of disruption must be emailed to GA.TOPIC@hilton.com.

Finally, Virgin Voyages is the first cruise line to offer customers a reprieve if they are unable to make their cruise due to FAA-mandated flight cancellations.

Affected cruisers can reach out to Sailor Services with proof of airline cancellation and receive a future cruise credit. Virgin Voyages says it will also help passengers find alternative travel options. Note that cash refunds aren’t available in these situations.

Tips for Flying During the Shutdown

If you’re traveling soon, know that the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better. Keep these travel tips in mind to help mitigate what could be some miserable travel experiences.

• Check your email and airline apps regularly. These are the best sources for the latest information.
• Arrive at the airport with plenty of time and be prepared to change plans on the fly.
• If you’re eligible, rely on services like CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and Touchless ID to expedite the security process.
• Use your points and miles to book backup flights in case something goes wrong with your intended itinerary.
• Consider alternative methods of transportation, such as buses, trains, or driving, to reach your destination.

Final Thoughts

While there may be an end in sight to the government shutdown, this week is likely to be another rough one for aviation. Most major airlines — and even some other travel providers — have issued waivers to provide travelers with more flexibility while things are so volatile.

As time goes on, these waivers are likely to change. We’ll keep this post updated regularly, but as always, be vigilant about checking your airline’s app or website for the most up-to-date information.