FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Long lines and wait times, with thousands of flights to be cut per day.
Amid the country’s longest government shutdown, the FAA announced a 10% reduction in flights at 40 major airports nationwide.
Air Traffic Controllers Union President Jerry O’Gorman says, “You can’t run a system on the backs of people, unpaid workers and expect it to last very long.”
From Chicago to Dallas, Las Vegas to LAX, all of the national flight options out of Fresno are on the list to face reductions.
It was smooth sailing for Matt Cook arriving in Fresno from Denver, “Security at Denver, we were worried we had a 6:50 flight this morning. We left the house at 3:30 and we got through there pretty quick.”
“Let’s hope come Sunday, when I come home, it doesn’t hinder. I might if I have to stay an extra day in Fresno. I hope I can find something fun to do for the day,” Cook says.
FAA officials call the decision a proactive move to maintain a safe system.
Now over a month without pay, Fresno Air Traffic Controllers remain on the frontlines, today receiving their second $0 paystub.
“Our last full paycheck was September 30th, now. There are people who’ve had to do things on the side to bring in money that their family needs. It’s definitely a daunting road ahead,” says O’Gorman.
According to the Department of Transportation, passengers are entitled to a refund if a flight is cancelled but you won’t get your money back if you choose to take an alternate or delayed flight.
Doug Johnson with AAA recommends travelers consider buying flight insurance, getting TSA Pre-Check or just opting to drive, especially as we near the Thanksgiving holiday.
I think we saw last weekend a lot of cancellations and delays at SFO, so already this has an impact even before the reduction of flights again; it’s going to be a long time at the airport. You might have a longer-than-expected wait times,” says Johnson.
Americans nationwide are warned that they must be prepared to be patient.
