Starting Friday, travelers will face fewer flight options across the United States as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implements schedule reductions at 40 major airports. This measure aims to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers amid the prolonged government shutdown.

The FAA administrator described the decision as unprecedented but crucial for maintaining safety, as staffing shortages continue to challenge air traffic controllers who have been working without pay. Many controllers were already working six days a week and enduring mandatory overtime prior to the shutdown, and the situation has only worsened without paychecks as government negotiations remain stalled.

The FAA’s order, released Thursday evening, indicates that airports in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago will experience these schedule cuts. As of late Thursday afternoon, hundreds of flights scheduled for Friday had already been canceled. This number is expected to increase as the reduction rate progresses from 4% on Friday to 10% by November 14.

Travelers should brace for potential delays and crowded flights as the weekend approaches and the schedule adjustments continue.

Passengers also could face delays and packed flights heading into the weekend and beyond.

Here’s what to know about the cutbacks — and what to do if your trip gets disrupted.

Is my airport on the list?

There’s a good chance it is. The list spans more than two dozen states.

It includes the nation’s busiest airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, as well as the main airports in Anchorage, Boston, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Miami, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Boston, and Anchorage.

In some metropolitan areas, including New York, Houston, Chicago and Washington, multiple airports will be impacted.

The reductions are between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. local time and impact all commercial airlines, according to the FAA.

How long will this go on?

It’s hard to say. Even if the shutdown ends soon, the FAA has said it would not lift the flight restrictions until staffing at airport towers and regional air traffic center makes it safe to do so.

“It’s going to take time to work through this,” said Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble Travel, an association of travel agencies in the U.S. and Canada.

That’s why, he said, it’s important to plan ahead — whether you’ve already booked flights or you’re just starting to make holiday travel plans.

Passengers were expected to get notified by airlines on Thursday if their flights are canceled. But it’s a good idea to check your airline’s app or a flight-tracking site for updates before you leave for the airport.

Airlines say they are trying to minimize the impact on their customers, some of whom will see weekend travel plans disrupted with little notice. United Airlines, for example, says it would focus the cuts on its regional routes that use smaller planes.

My flight was canceled. Now what?

“Take a deep breath. Don’t panic,” Johnson said. “There are options available. They may not be ideal, and they may be inconvenient, but you have options.”

If you’re already at the airport, it’s time to get in line to speak to a customer service representative. While you’re waiting, you can also call or go online to connect to the airline’s reservations staff. It can also help to reach out on X because airlines might respond quickly there.

Now might also be the time to consider if it makes sense to travel by train, car or bus instead.

Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, said the shutdown is different from when a single airline is having problems and travelers can just pick another carrier. Shortages of air traffic controllers can create problems for entire airports and multiple airlines at once.

“The longer the shutdown drags on, it’s unlikely that there will be one airline running on time if the rest of the them are failing,” Potter said.

Can I get a refund or compensation?

The airlines will be required to issue full refunds, according to the FAA.

But they’re not required to cover secondary costs, such as food and hotel accommodations, unless a delay or cancellation results from a contributing factor that is within the control of the airlines, according to the Department of Transportation.

You can also check the Department of Transportation’s website to see what your airline promises for refunds or other costs if your flight is canceled or delayed.

Should I just stay home for the holidays?

Not necessarily.

You might just need a little more planning and flexibility than usual. A travel adviser can help take some stress off your plate, and travel insurance may give you an extra safety net.

Johnson also warned that flights could sell out fast once the shutdown ends.

“There will be a flurry of booking activity,” he said. “So try to get ahead of it and make sure that you’re protected.”

Other tips

Travel light. Limiting baggage to a carry-on means one less airport line to deal with, and if your plans change unexpectedly, you’ll already have everything with you.

Be nice. Airline agents are likely helping other frustrated travelers, too, and yelling won’t make them more willing to help. Remember, the cancellations aren’t their fault.

“An extra ounce of kindness to yourself and to others at this time of year, with all of the disruptions, will go a long way,” Johnson said.

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Associated Press journalist Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed.