Hey there, fellow traveler! Ever had your holiday travel plans go off the rails? Well, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is sounding the alarm on Thanksgiving travel this year. Get ready for some insights that might just save your turkey day.
Government Shutdown Turbulence
Impact on Air Travel
Picture this: you're all set for your Thanksgiving feast, but there's a hiccup in the air travel scene. Secretary Duffy warns that a large chunk of folks might miss out on family time due to the ongoing government shutdown.
- Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, is painting a grim picture of Thanksgiving travel.
- With air traffic controllers feeling the pinch of no pay, flight cancellations are skyrocketing.
- He predicts a significant number of Americans won't make it home for the holiday.
Turbulence in the Skies
Challenges for Air Traffic Controllers
Imagine juggling bills without a safety net. Air traffic controllers, vital cogs in the air travel wheel, are struggling. Duffy mentioned they can handle missing one paycheck, but two? That's a stretch.
Most controllers can't weather two missed paychecks, leading them to consider side gigs just to stay afloat. It's a tough spot to be in, no doubt.
Amidst this chaos, airline crews are stepping up. Pilots and flight attendants are rallying together, providing free meals to their stressed-out colleagues in airports across the country.
Flight Disruptions and Solutions
Dealing with Cancellations
The numbers don't lie. Thousands of flights are biting the dust, leaving passengers stranded. Delays are soaring, and the situation isn't looking up. But fear not, there are ways to navigate this turbulence.
- Airlines aren't on the hook for compensating passengers in uncontrollable situations like these. However, if your flight gets axed, you're entitled to a cash refund.
- Keep an eye on Flight Aware's "Misery Map" to stay updated on delays and cancellations at major US airports.
- For a smoother rebooking process, rely on your airline's app rather than queuing up at the gate. Plus, some airlines might offer meal or hotel vouchers for extended delays or overnight stays.
So, if your Thanksgiving travel hits a snag, stay calm, check your options, and remember, there's always a way to navigate through the storm. Safe travels!
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By: lvaranasi@businessinsider.com (Lakshmi Varanasi)
Title: Why Thanksgiving Travel Plans Might Hit a Snag, According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/thanksgiving-travel-chaos-shutdown-cancelled-flights-sean-duffy-2025-11
Published Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2025 19:26:08 +0000





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