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"We are literally stuck at the airport right now and unable to fly into Logan." Air travelers faced delays and cancellations over the weekend after the FAA reduced air traffic at 40 airports nationwide, including Logan Airport, as a result of the government shutdown. Logan Airport is one of 40 “high-volume” markets where the FAA reduced air traffic beginning on Friday. The FAA reductions started at 4% and will increase to 10% by Nov. 14, according to an Associated Press report. “As I look two weeks out, as we get closer to Thanksgiving travel, I think what’s going to happen is you’re going to have air travel slow to a trickle as everyone wants to travel to see their families,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in the report. Massport released a statement on Thursday, saying, “We are awaiting more information from the FAA on which flights will be impacted. For those traveling over the next few days, we do anticipate delays and cancellations and strongly urge passengers to check with their airline before coming to the airport.” U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,700 flights on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. Here’s what travelers at Logan faced over the weekend: On Friday, Logan saw 241 delays and 43 cancellations, on Saturday 239 delays and 47 cancellations, and on Sunday 440 delays and 107 cancellations, according to flight tracking service FlightAware. As of Monday, there were 142 delays and 61 cancellations by 10:30 a.m. As a result of the disruptions, airlines announced they are waiving fees and offering refunds. When we asked readers how the reduced flights have impacted their travel, nearly 200 readers responded to our informal poll and 45% said yes, 18% said no, and 37% said they don’t know yet. Readers shared stories about cancelled and delayed flights, avoiding Logan, and avoiding air travel completely. Yes, we have experienced travel disruptions “We are literally stuck at the airport right now and unable to fly into Logan,” wrote an anonymous reader. “Returning from Tel Aviv via Newark, my Newark-Boston flight was cancelled. I was rebooked through Chicago. Good times,” wrote Dan from Bedford. “My son’s flight was delayed by 5 hours because the flight crew’s incoming flight kept being cancelled. Many others were also cancelled,” wrote a reader from Framingham. “Waiting for a JetBlue flight in LAS to Boston Logan. It was just delayed by 4 hours due to air traffic control,” wrote Ray from Melrose. “My wife is in Cincinnati and her flight to come home on Sunday was canceled. She now has to rent a car and drive the 11 hours home. Not ideal,” wrote Greg from Bedford. “Cancelled flight Monday leaving. Delayed 2+ (so far ) returning today,” wrote an anonymous reader from Scituate. “Just got off a flight from Logan to MCO in Orlando. Three delays,” wrote an anonymous reader. We are worried about upcoming flights “I am leaving Tuesday for a flight to Portugal to leave on a cruise. I am keeping my fingers crossed as I will miss the cruise if I can’t get there,” wrote Carol from the South Shore. “I’m scheduled on a Tuesday morning flight to Denver. Both airports are on the list. I’m not a lucky person,” wrote Helen from Natick. “I’m planning to travel for Thanksgiving week, I’ve got no clue on whether I’ll be affected but it almost seems likely,” wrote Stefan from Charlestown. “My daughter can’t make plans to come visit us at Thanksgiving because we can’t be sure flights won’t be cancelled and she may wind up spending Thanksgiving in an airport somewhere,” wrote Peggy from Brewster. “Flying to Orlando on Wednesday for a family vacation and I’m really nervous if we’ll get out on time,” wrote Bradley from Westford. “My kids, grandkids, husband and I will all be flying from Boston, and LA to Washington DC over Thanksgiving holiday. All 3 airports are on the list,” wrote Cynthia from Haverhill. “Returning to Ireland on Sunday and don’t know if we will be stranded,” wrote Tony from Reading. “Flying later this month… maybe I should try Amtrak,” wrote Sarah from Malden. “My daughter is getting married Monday,” wrote Alexandra from North Andover. “Several family members, including her brother and one sister who is maid of honor, are flying in Saturday and Sunday. So far no word on cancellations, but we are very concerned. Even if everybody gets here, we are all worried whether they will get back to their homes without delays.” “Have 4 flights scheduled later this year and at this point who knows what will happen. Shame on our elected officials for allowing this to happen over and over again. Going forward elected officials should stop getting paychecks Day 1 of a shutdown and by Day 14 if things aren’t open, barred from running for public office again. Bet they’d be willing to figure something out then. We’re doomed as a country,” wrote Dan from Everett. We are avoiding Logan / air travel altogether right now “Brother was planning a visit to Massachusetts from Florida but had to cancel due to uncertainties,” wrote Donald from Hingham. “Going out of T F Green,” wrote Anthony, who did not disclose his town. “Flying out of Hartford instead,” wrote an anonymous reader. “Not planning to fly anywhere in the near future,” wrote an anonymous reader from Haverhill.
