If your Friday flight suddenly stopped boarding, or someone picking you up is asking when to leave home, start with the airline’s app. On Nov. 13, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a nationwide pause on departures after communications problems at regional air traffic control centers. Flights already in the air could continue to land, and the FAA said it would handle inbound international flights individually. Associated Press · Reuters
How many U.S. flights were canceled Friday?
At 4:54 p.m. Eastern on Friday, 371 flights were canceled and 7,884 were delayed within, into, or out of the United States, according to FlightAware. Those figures cover the day up to that snapshot and include disruptions from multiple causes. For example, New York’s LaGuardia and JFK airports were already seeing weather-related delays and cancellations Friday morning. FlightAware’s live tracker · News 12’s morning report
What a ground stop means for your flight
A ground stop pauses takeoffs. Your flight can still operate later, and your airline may revise its estimate more than once. After departures resume, your plane may still need to arrive from another city or wait for a crew. If you’re picking someone up, track the incoming flight number and wait for the traveler to confirm they’ve landed before making the drive. FAA airspace status
What to do if you’re flying tonight
- Still at home? Check your flight number with the airline operating your flight and turn on alerts. Follow the carrier’s airport arrival and check-in instructions, since a posted delay can change.
- About to miss a connection? Open the full trip in the airline app and look for rebooking options through to your final destination. If the legs are on separate tickets, contact the second airline before you miss its flight.
- Already rebooked? Confirm the new airport, date and arrival time before accepting. If you checked a bag, ask where it will go and whether you need to collect it overnight.
- Stuck overnight? Ask the airline about meal or hotel assistance before paying. The Department of Transportation’s dashboard lists commitments for disruptions within an airline’s control. Keep receipts and check any travel insurance or card benefits for coverage. DOT airline commitments dashboard
When you can get a refund
If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the replacement flight, credit or other compensation, U.S. Department of Transportation rules entitle you to a refund to your original form of payment for the unused portion of the trip, even with a nonrefundable ticket. The refund rule applies regardless of the cause. If the new flight would get you there after the event you were traveling for, compare that arrival time with your plans before accepting the new itinerary. DOT automatic refund guidance