Thousands of flights canceled, delayed amid government shutdown cuts. How to reach your airline

The third day of flight cuts during the ongoing government shutdown has caused thousands of cancellations and delays, sending some travelers scrambling.

Flight tracking service Flightaware reported that by 1:30 p.m., over 1,700 flights into, within or out of the country were already canceled for Sunday with over 5,000 delays nationwide. Airport staffing issues caused by the government shutdown have disrupted more than 4 million passengers since Oct. 1, according to the trade group Airlines for America, which represents passenger and cargo carriers.

The flight restrictions began with a 4% reduction on Friday, and they’re set to increase to 6% by Tuesday, before hitting 10% by Friday. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned in an appearance on CNN that the cancellations could impact as many as 20% of flights at affected airports.

“It’s only going to get worse,” Duffy said. “I look to the two weeks before Thanksgiving, you’re going to see air travel be reduced to a trickle.”

Here’s how to contact your airline if your flight has been canceled.

How to reach your airline’s customer service

Most airlines are contacting passengers whose flights have been canceled via email or through their smartphone apps. But each has slightly different procedures for what customers should do when their flights are canceled.

How to reach Delta Airlines’ customer service

Delta asks customers to look on their website, delta.com, or app, Fly Delta to find updated information about their flight before heading to the airport. Customers with a canceled flight will be contacted via email, text or through the app, and they will be offered a rebooking for the “next-best itinerary,” the airline said. If you have any questions, call Delta’s customer service at: 1-800-221-1212

How to reach United Airlines’ customer service

United recommends customers use the United app for updates and rebooking options. The airline is offering all travelers, including those whose flights have not been impacted by the FAA cancellations, full refunds if they choose to cancel. If you have questions, call United customer service at 1-800-864-8331 or text “UNITED” to 32050.

How to reach Southwest Airlines’ customer service

Southwest Airlines said it notified customers whose flights have been cancelled through Nov. 12. Like other carriers, it urges passengers to check the Southwest website and app for further updates. If your flight has been canceled, Southwest said in most cases, it will automatically rebook you on another flight.

If the itinerary doesn’t work, you can rebook the flight or cancel for a full refund. The airline asks passengers to cancel their reservations at least 10 minutes before their new flight’s scheduled departure. Customers can call Southwest for more information at 1-800-435-9792.

How to reach JetBlue’s customer service

JetBlue also said it is rebooking most passengers whose flights have been canceled as a result of the FAA cuts. The airline said it is reaching out to passengers using the contact information in their reservation. Passengers can check their flight status and current refund and fee reduction offers on the carrier’s website. For more information, JetBlue’s customer service number is 1-800-538-2583.