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With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, the anxiety for the holiday travel season is already building. Now, an ongoing government shutdown is threatening to pour gasoline on the fire, turning the busiest travel week of the year into a potential nightmare.
Here at Travel Off Path, we’re all about giving you the real, on-the-ground intel. The core of the problem isn’t just about longer lines at security; it’s about critical staffing shortages at Air Traffic Control (ATC) towers. When ATC is understaffed, the entire system slows down, and the FAA has no choice but to implement “Ground Delay Programs” and “Ground Stops” at the country’s most important hubs.
Based on our analysis of the FAA’s live National Airspace System status, these are the 10 airports being hit the hardest. If you are flying to, from, or through any of these airports, you need to be prepared for significant delays.
The 10 Airports With The Most Delays
We’ve grouped the 10 airports that are the most frequent targets of Ground Delay Programs, as they are the most critical to the U.S. air system.
The East Coast Choke Points
These airports are the most congested in the country, and any staffing issue here creates immediate ripple effects.
- Newark (EWR)
- LaGuardia (LGA)
- New York (JFK)
- Orlando (MCO)
The three major New York hubs (JFK, EWR, LGA) are the epicenter of the delays. The FAA is already reporting “staffing” as a reason for ground delays here, with some flights being held at their departure airports for hours. Orlando, a massive hub for leisure travel, is also experiencing major slowdowns as it struggles to manage high volume with fewer controllers.
The Central & Texas Power Hubs
These massive hubs are the heart of the national flight network. When they get clogged, the entire system feels it.
- Chicago (ORD)
- Dallas (DFW)
- Houston (IAH)
Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth are critical connecting hubs for both American and United. Any ATC shortage here means a wave of delays that cascades across the entire country. We are also seeing alarming, on-the-ground reports from travelers at Houston (IAH) citing security line delays of up to three hours, compounding the ATC issues.
The West Coast Gateways
These airports are the primary gateways for transpacific and cross-country travel, and they are not immune.
- Denver (DEN)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
Denver, a key hub for both United and Southwest, is seeing delays pile up. On the West Coast, San Francisco (SFO) is particularly vulnerable due to its closely spaced runways, and any staffing issue is compounded by weather, leading to a quick “Ground Delay Program.”
What This Actually Means For You: The Savvy Traveler’s Guide
This situation is fluid, but it is not hopeless. Here are the practical, actionable tips you need to follow if you are traveling this fall or winter.
1. The “3-Hour Rule” is Now Mandatory
This is no longer a friendly suggestion. You must give yourself extra time. The problem is twofold: you will face longer lines at TSA due to potential staffing shortages, and you will face longer waits on the tarmac dueTo ATC delays. Arriving at least 3 hours before a domestic flight (and 4 hours for international) is the new, non-negotiable minimum.
2. Your Airline App is Your Only Source of Truth
The departure board at the airport is often the last to update. Your airline’s mobile app will have the most accurate, real-time information about your specific flight. Enable push notifications immediately. This is where you will see a delay or cancellation alert long before it’s announced at the gate.
3. Check Your Flight Status Before You Leave Home
Do not be the person who drives all the way to the airport just to find out your flight was canceled two hours ago. Check your airline’s app or website before you even call your Uber.
4. Pack Your Patience (And Snacks)
Be prepared for long waits, even after you’ve boarded the plane. Many of these delays are “Ground Stops,” which means your fully boarded plane will be sitting on the tarmac, waiting for a slot to take off. This is a good time to have a fully charged phone, a downloaded movie, and your own snacks and water.
This is a developing situation, and we will keep you updated. To check the latest official travel advisories and entry requirements for any international travel, be sure to use our 1 Minute Trip Check.
Safe travels!
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