Thinking of flying? Here’s why you might want to reconsider

The Federal Aviation Administration on Friday ordered airlines to reduce flight schedules by 10 percent at several of the nation’s busiest airports as the federal government shutdown continues to disrupt operations.

Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway International Airports are among those affected. Nearly 800 flights have already been canceled nationwide, with airlines reducing schedules by about 4 percent this morning. That number is expected to increase throughout the weekend as the shutdown continues.

With the holiday travel season just weeks away, many travelers are left wondering how to navigate flying during this period of uncertainty.

My first piece of advice: be flexible and expect delays. The days of making tight connections and counting on on-time departures, even in perfect weather, are temporarily over.

Second, book the earliest flight possible. Early-morning departures give you the best chance of finding alternative options later in the day if your original flight runs into problems. No one enjoys a 5 a.m. wake-up call, but having more rebooking options can make a huge difference when schedules start to unravel.

Next, don’t travel broke. That may sound blunt, but right now is not the time to fly without extra funds in your budget. If you get stranded due to delays caused by air traffic control shortages, airlines are not required to pay for meals or hotel accommodations. If your flight is canceled or severely delayed, you are entitled to a full refund—regardless of ticket class—but otherwise, compensation is not guaranteed.

If possible, avoid checking a bag. With widespread flight cancellations, there’s a higher risk that your luggage won’t arrive when you do, especially if you end up on a rebooked or rerouted itinerary.

Finally, consider whether you really need to fly right now. With the shutdown still in effect and winter weather on the horizon, air travel may only become more unpredictable. If you can, take a road trip instead. It might save you time, money, and a lot of stress.