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The tone is much more calming and reassuring to customers at the country's Big Three carriers: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines. All three airlines have stated that the majority of travel won't be impacted, especially long-haul international flights. It makes sense from a business standpoint to protect the most profitable flights while temporarily lowering service frequency to smaller airports. The Big Three are also offering passengers the opportunity to request refunds without penalty. A refund is likely the only way to guarantee that you won't be impacted by the shutdown cuts. The FAA's mandate to reduce flights is a relief value to prevent a disaster caused by understaffed air traffic control facilities. According to Reuters, the 10% cut will not take effect all at once, and international flights are exempt. The order will begin at 4% on Friday and gradually increase to the stated maximum next week. The only measure more extreme would be the federal government closing portions of airspace to all traffic, something that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has threatened to do and blame on the Democrats.
