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Over 1000 flights have been delayed and hundreds of flights were cancelled after the FAA announced it would be reducing flights at 40 U.S. airports, including Reagan National, Baltimore-Washington International and Dulles International airports. The order stemmed from a "data-based decision" to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers, who were unpaid but required to work due to the government shutdown. Travel expert with going.com Katie Nastro broke down what you need to do if your flight is cancelled or delayed. RELATED | What to know about the FAA flight restrictions on major airports set to roll out Friday "The first thing that travelers need to do is act quickly. They need to make alternate arrangements... because there's not going to be an endless supply of additional seats, especially as we see fewer flights," said Nastro. "If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, that's three hours or more for these domestic flights, you are entitled to a refund,” said Nastro. That provision means you can choose to get a new flight or a refund, but not both, said Nastro. When leaving to go to the airport, getting there around two hours early is important with TSA wait times, said Nastro. "I would add half an hour onto that, especially if you're flying out of a very busy hub,” said Nastro. “Even though there have been flight reductions, that doesn't mean that we still don't have a higher likelihood of seeing staffing call-outs across TSA as well as air traffic control." SEE ALSO | BWI sees rising cancellations as FAA cuts flights at major airports amid shutdown The scale of flight disruptions is massive and getting into “outrageous territory,” said Nastro. “We have seen some occasions where 13, 14% of flights have been outrightly canceled due to extreme weather... so it can really have lasting effects, well beyond just the day of the cancellations,” said Nastro. For travelers looking ahead to Thanksgiving and other holidays, Nastro said waiting might be the best move. "It's never a bad idea, however, to look at what your options are. Can you drive to your destination? What other flights are currently available? What types of prices are they? Can you book with points?" said Nastro.
