Airlines like Delta and United are offering free refunds for canceled flights

"Many airlines expect the cancellations and airspace closures to start Friday, Nov. 7. Driving the news: The FAA said on Wednesday it plans to reduce 10% of flights at 40 major U.S. airports - adding to the logjam already plaguing airports amid the government shutdown. Hundreds of daily flights could get cut, with hundreds of thousands of travelers affected, per aviation analytics firm Cirium. It's unknown which airports will be impacted by the changes, as the FAA has not publicly confirmed the information."

"Delta travelers can cancel, change or refund their flights without penalty during the FAA's reductions, the company said. The airline has a waiver in place and plans to share updates through its app and website. Delta expects the majority of its flights to run on schedule, but "will work to minimize customer impact while keeping safety our top priority.""

"Southwest plans to rebook travelers automatically in most cases. Travelers who are rebooked but don't wish to fly will be eligible for refunds, the airline said. They can rebook their flights or explore other options. Southwest has asked customers who can't travel on their new flights to rebook "at least 10 minutes" before the newly-booked flight departs."

The FAA plans to reduce 10% of flights at 40 major U.S. airports, with cancellations and airspace closures expected to begin Friday, Nov. 7. Hundreds of daily flights could be cut, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of travelers, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Specific airports to be impacted remain unknown. Airlines and airports are preparing customer-response measures: Delta issued a waiver allowing cancellations, changes, or refunds without penalty and will share updates via its app and website. American will contact affected customers and permit fee-free changes or refunds. Southwest plans automatic rebooking with refunds available and asks customers to rebook at least 10 minutes before new departures. United will share flight changes through its app, website, or push alerts.

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