Travelers across the country are facing risks of widespread flight delays and cancellations as the ongoing government shutdown threatens to put a massive dent in scheduled flights in the coming days and weeks.
As the shutdown stretches into its second month with no end in sight, thousands of flights across the country have already been disrupted as 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners continue to work without a paycheck.
Some disruptions and delays were reported during the first day of cuts, but the outlook for the coming days is less certain as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has signaled flight cancellations will likely grow if the government shutdown continues.
Experts recommend checking flight schedules often to avoid being caught off guard by cancellations or delays.
Travelers should be "as proactive as possible" if flights are canceled, Scott Keyes, founder of Going, previously told USA TODAY.
