The Federal Aviation Administration said Sunday it is lifting all restrictions on commercial flights that were imposed at 40 major airports during the country’s longest government shutdown.
What You Need To Know
FAA lifts restrictions on commercial flights at 40 major airports
Airlines can resume regular flight schedules on Monday at 6 a.m. EST
The restrictions were due to staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities during the government shutdown
Airlines can resume their regular flight schedules beginning Monday at 6 a.m. EST, the agency said.
The announcement was made in a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
Citing safety concerns as staffing shortages grew at air traffic control facilities during the shutdown, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies. It had been in place since Nov. 7, affecting thousands of flights across the country.
Impacted airports included large hubs in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta.
The flight cuts started at 4% and later grew to 6% before the FAA on Friday rolled the restrictions back to 3%, citing continued improvements in air traffic controller staffing since the record 43-day shutdown ended.
The FAA statement said an FAA safety team recommended the order be rescinded after “detailed reviews of safety trends and the steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities.”
The statement said the FAA “is aware of reports of non-compliance by carriers over the course of the emergency order. The agency is reviewing and assessing enforcement options.” It did not elaborate.
Cancellations hit their highest point Nov. 9, when airlines cut more than 2,900 flights because of the FAA order, ongoing controller shortages and severe weather in parts of the country. But conditions began to improve throughout the week as more controllers returned to work amid news that Congress was close to a deal to end the shutdown. That progress also prompted the FAA to pause plans for further rate increases.
The agency had initially aimed for a 10% reduction in flights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said worrisome safety data showed the move was necessary to ease pressure on the aviation system and help manage worsening staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities as the shutdown entered its second month and flight disruptions began to pile up.
Air traffic controllers were among the federal employees who had to continue working without pay throughout the shutdown. They missed two paychecks during the impasse.
Duffy hasn’t shared the specific safety data that prompted the cuts, but he cited reports during the shutdown of planes getting too close in the air, more runway incursions and pilot concerns about controllers’ responses.
Airline leaders have expressed optimism that operations would rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period after the FAA lifted its order.
BEIJING (AP) — Japan raised objections Saturday after China advised its citizens to avoid visiting Japan, as a feud over the new Japanese leader’s remarks on Taiwan showed no signs of dying down.
The government in Tokyo lodged a protest and its top spokesperson, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, urged China to take “appropriate measures,” Japan’s Kyodo News Service reported.
China advised its citizens Friday to refrain from traveling to Japan in the near future. It cited earlier attacks against Chinese in Japan and what it called Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ‘s “erroneous remarks” on Taiwan, which it said undermined the atmosphere for China-Japan exchange.
Kihara told reporters that it is precisely because of the differences between the two governments that multilayered communication is essential, a Kyodo report said.
China has repeatedly recommended its nationals take security precautions when in Japan over the past year, but the latest announcement appeared to be stronger in advising against travel, according to notices posted on the website of its embassy in Tokyo.
Japan is an immensely popular destination for Chinese tourists, providing a much-needed economic boost but also sparking an anti-China and anti-foreigner backlash from some. It’s unclear what impact the advisory will have on the willingness of Chinese to visit Japan, but several Chinese airlines offered no-penalty refunds on previously sold tickets to Japan following the government’s announcement.
The dispute suggests that Japan’s already fragile relations with China could turn rocky under Takaichi, who supports building up the military to counter potential threats from Beijing and its claims to contested territory in nearby waters in the western Pacific.
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Takaichi, who became prime minister last month, said in parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute “an existential threat” to Japan, requiring the use of force by its military.
The remark prompted strong objections from China, including a social media post from its consul general in Osaka last weekend saying “we have no choice but to cut off that dirty neck that has been lunged at us.”
His comment, which was later taken down, sparked a Japanese diplomatic protest that was followed by a back-and-forth that continued all week.
China claims Taiwan, a self-governing island off its coast, as its territory and has staged threatening military drills in the surrounding waters in recent years.
Neither the United States nor Japan has official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but the U.S. is the main supplier of defense equipment to the island’s military and opposes resolution of the China-Taiwan situation by force.
Japan is a military ally of the United States and hosts American troops at several U.S. bases on its territory, including a major Navy base south of Tokyo.
ROME (AP) — A 15th-century Bible which is considered one of the most spectacular examples of Renaissance illuminated manuscripts went on display in Rome on Thursday as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations.
The two-volume Borso D’Este Bible, which is known for its opulent miniature paintings in gold and Afghan lapis lazuli, was unveiled in the Italian Senate, where it will remain on display until Jan. 16.
The Bible is usually kept in a safe at a library in Modena and is rarely seen in public. It was transported to Rome under heavy security and its arrival in the Senate was televised, as workers hauled two big red crates from an unmarked van and then extracted the volumes, which were covered in bubble wrap.
The Bible, commissioned by Duke Borso D’Este, was created between 1455 and 1461 by calligrapher Pietro Paolo Marone and illustrators Taddeo Crivelli and Franco dei Russi. The Italian Culture Ministry considers it one of the highest expressions of miniature art “that unites sacred value, historic relevance, precious materials and refined aesthetics.”
From right, Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian government undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano look at the 15th century Borso D’Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, after its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
From right, Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian government undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano look at the 15th century Borso D’Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, after its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
It will remain behind humidity-controlled plate glass during its Roman sojourn, but visitors can “read” it digitally via touch screen displays featuring ultra-high-resolution images.
Alessandra Necci, director of Gallerie Estense in Modena, where the Bible is usually kept, describes it as the “Mona Lisa of illuminated manuscripts” because of its exquisite artistry and religious inspiration.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, who is in charge of the Vatican’s Jubilee celebrations, told the presentation Thursday he hoped visitors would be inspired to go home and read their own Bibles after seeing the beauty of the Borso D’Este version.
He said the splendor of the text was a “provocation” that forces contemplation not just of its beauty but of the word of God contained in the text.
A detail of the 15th century Borso D’Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, during its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
A detail of the 15th century Borso D’Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, during its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
A journalist flips through a faithful reproduction of the 15th century Borso D’Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, during its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
A journalist flips through a faithful reproduction of the 15th century Borso D’Este Bible, comprising two illuminated manuscripts, during its unveiling at the Italian Senate as part of the Vatican’s Holy Year celebrations in Rome, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The Bible was commissioned by Borso D’Este as part of his celebration of faith and his own prominence, and was kept in the Este family until the last duke, Francesco V of Austria-Este, took it with him when he fled to Vienna in 1859, according to a history of the Bible on the Italian Senate’s website.
Necci said Borso D’Este spent what was then an exorbitant amount of money to create the most expensive book of the time. By demonstrating such opulence, the duke “wanted to celebrate not only the sacred book par excellence but also the elevated idea he had of himself and his dynasty,” she said.
It remained in the possession of the Habsburgs even after the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved after World War I. In 1922, after Archduke Charles I died, his widow Zita of Bourbon-Parma decided to sell it to a Parisian antiquarian.
Giovanni Treccani, an Italian entrepreneur and arts patron, learned of the sale and travelled to Paris to buy it in 1923, paying 3,300,000 French francs. Treccani, whose name is famous today as the publisher of top Italian encyclopaedias, then donated it to the Italian state.
The Bible is being kept in a specially regulated display case that employs a conditioning system that maintains constant humidity to protect the parchment pages, which are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, officials said.
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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports will remain at 6% instead of rising to 10% by the end of the week because more air traffic controllers are coming to work, officials said Wednesday.
The flight cuts were implemented last week as more air traffic controllers were calling out of work, citing stress and the need to take on second jobs — leaving more control towers and facilities short-staffed. Air traffic controllers missed two paychecks during the impasse.
The Department of Transportation said the flight reduction decision was made on recommendations from the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety team, after a “rapid decline” in controller callouts.
The 6% limit will stay in place while officials assess whether the air traffic system can safely return to normal operations, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, although he did not provide a timeline Wednesday.
“If the FAA safety team determines the trend lines are moving in the right direction, we’ll put forward a path to resume normal operations,” Duffy said in a statement.
Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Wednesday that safety remains their top priority and that all decisions will be guided by data.
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Delta struck an optimistic note about how much longer flight reductions would continue, saying in a statement the airline looked forward to bringing its “operation back to full capacity over the next few days.”
Since the restrictions took effect last Friday, more than 10,100 flights have been canceled, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware. The FAA originally planned to ramp up flight cuts from 4% to 10% at the 40 airports.
The FAA said that worrisome safety data showed flight reductions were needed to ease pressure on the aviation system and help manage worsening staffing shortages at its air traffic control facilities as flight disruptions began to pile up.
Duffy has declined to share the specific safety data that prompted the flight cuts. But at a news conference Tuesday at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, he cited reports of planes getting too close in the air, more runway incursions and pilot concerns about controllers’ responses.
The FAA’s list of 40 airports spans more than two dozen states and includes large hubs such as New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Chicago. The order requires all commercial airlines to make cuts at those airports.
Airlines for America, the trade group of U.S. airlines, posted on social media that it was grateful for the funding bill. It said reopening the government would allow U.S. airlines to restore operations ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday which is in about two weeks.
How long it will take for the aviation system to stabilize is unclear. The flight restrictions upended airline operations in just a matter of days. Many planes were rerouted and aren’t where they’re supposed to be. Airlines for America said earlier Wednesday that there would be residual effects for days.
Eric Chaffee, a Case Western Reserve professor who studies risk management, says airlines face complex hurdles, including rebuilding flight schedules that were planned months in advance.
Airline and hotel trade groups had earlier Wednesday urged the House to act quickly to end the shutdown, warning of potential holiday travel chaos.
Flight cuts disrupted other flights and crews, leading to more cancelations than the FAA required at first. The impact was worsened by unexpected controller shortages over the weekend and severe weather.
The CEO of the U.S. Travel Association said essential federal workers like air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration workers must be paid if “Congress ever goes down this foolish path again” and there is a shutdown.
“America cannot afford another self-inflicted crisis that threatens the systems millions rely on every day,” Geoff Freeman said in a statement.
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Associated Press writer Audrey McAvoy contributed to this report.
When The Pierre Hotel opened its doors in 1930, it instantly became a playground for Manhattan’s elite. Over the past 95 years, this iconic hotel has witnessed everything from the repeal of Prohibition to jewel heists and Hollywood scandals, all while maintaining its reputation as one of New York’s most glamorous destinations. From its $15 million debut to hosting Hollywood royalty and surviving the Great Depression, The Pierre has remained a beacon of glamour in the heart of New York City since 1930.
A Complete History of The Pierre Hotel
Image by Nextrecord Archives / G
The Early Days: A Playground for Manhattan’s Elite
When The Pierre Hotel opened on October 1, 1930, casting its 714-room shadow over Central Park, it instantly became the playground for Manhattan’s elite. Merely four months later, E.B. White’s Ballad of the Hotel Pierre was published in the New Yorker, describing it as home to “The little band that nothing daunts/this year’s most popular debutantes.” This was true. Prospective debutantes had started booking the ballroom for their November entrances in June, months before the luxury hotel opened.
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel posing in her suite at The Pierre during her first visit to New York City, on March 10, 1931.
Getty Images
Within a year, the film and stage star Ina Claire was sinking into a club chair at the hotel as she discussed with journalists whether she would be divorcing John Gilbert. (She claimed she would not. She would.) In 1932, Coco Chanel called The Pierre home during her first visit to New York. And that same year, the famed “Tobacco King” Arthur Mower refused to leave his Pierre bed for his stepdaughter’s early morning wedding .
Little wonder no one wanted to leave. Every inch of the 41-story hotel offered an almost otherworldly spectacle. The 60-by-100-foot ballroom where those debutantes waltzed was paneled in mirrors flanked by rose marble columns imported from French quarries. The chandeliers above sparkled with traces of ruby crystals from the room that would become known for the “swankest presentation balls” given for the city’s “spoiled darlings.” Attendees might make their way to the Grill Room, which was decorated to resemble an “undersea garden.” Wall panels and ceiling murals replicated ocean foliage, and the carpet was woven with images of seashells and sea urchins. In the upstairs dining room, paneled in hand-carved French walnut, interspersed with gold brocade hangings, Auguste Escoffier, the father of French cooking, prepared the hotel’s first meal.
Bettmann Archive Miss Elizabeth R. G. Duval, a prominent member of New York society, and Sidney Wood, a well-known tennis star, sit on the steps inside The Pierre in 1933.
From Waiter to Hotelier: The Story of Charles Pierre
But The Pierre didn’t begin in those gilded rooms. It began in a kitchen, with a Corsican waiter named Charles Pierre Casalasco, who learned the trade from his father. When Louis Sherry dined at the Savoy Hotel in London in 1903, the American restaurateur noted a young waiter watching him with eager attention. Casalasco was “awed by this former waiter who had become proprietor of a smart dining room in New York.” Sherry was so impressed with the waiter’s desire to learn more about the hospitality business that, when he returned to New York, he made Casalasco his assistant. There, the waiter quickly dropped his surname in favor of being known simply as Charles Pierre. At that time, it was almost a forgone conclusion that New York’s debutantes were introduced at Sherry’s ballroom. Charles Pierre, tasked with organizing these splendid events, became “the favorite of the younger set, married matrons and the dowagers.”
Smart set, Mrs. Robert Goddard and Mrs. Roland Hazzard, in front of The Pierre.
Bettmann Archive
When Charles Pierre opened his own Park Avenue restaurant in 1920, his devoted group followed him. In 1930, their social set husbands, like Walter Chrysler, Edward Hutton, and C.K.G. Billings, helped finance his dream, The Pierre Hotel, which reputedly cost a staggering $15 million to build. In retrospect, too much may have been spent on those underwater-themed murals. By 1932, during the Great Depression, a petition of bankruptcy was filed—but Charles Pierre was kept on as managing director to run the hotel.
Disciplined and knowledgeable with a European flair, Charles Pierre ran the hotel with aplomb.
Penske Media via Getty Images
The Return of the ‘High-Class Hotel’
When the repeal of Prohibition came in 1933, he rejoiced. No hotel man was more excited by the prospect of liquor coming back on the menu again. He declared that Prohibition had destroyed American appreciation for wine—and really any liquor that did not come from a bathtub. Now, a “new generation will have to learn all over again how to drink.” He intended to outfit The Pierre with a wonderful cellar to teach them. He planned gala celebrations. People could now gather for cocktails at his newly opened supper club, the Corinthian Room. He promised, “The next few years will see the rejuvenation of the high-class hotel.”
A young woman enjoys the luxuries of room service at The Pierre in 1943.
Getty Images
He was correct. But sadly, Charles Pierre would never see the heights to which his hotel would climb. He passed away in 1934 at the age of 55 from appendicitis. He was too weak from an abdominal infection to be saved by medicine flown in from Florida in what was described as a “13-hour airplane race against death.”
But his legacy lived on in The Pierre Hotel.
Bettmann Archive Joan Crawford at The Pierre on January 22, 1959.
Celebrities like Joan Crawford and Claudette Colbert would flock there, as well as younger disciples. By 1938, following her father’s death, the 13-year-old heiress Lucetta Cotton Thomas was spending $1,416 a month (approximately $32,000 today) to live at the hotel. Eloise at The Plaza had nothing on her. By that time, the hotel belonged to oilman John Paul Getty, who quipped that it was his “only above-ground asset.”
In 1944, the hotel—and the room prices—were the subject of scandal. It was found that munitions manufacturer Murray Garsson had housed and paid the hotel bills for key personnel in the army’s Chemical Warfare Service in what was known as “Operation Pierre.” In 1942, the decorator Samuel Marx had redone the hotel’s dining room in red, white and blue, and commissioned murals of early American life for the Grill Room, so it was certainly a patriotic wartime pick. However, officers knew that, when traveling to New York City, they had a $6 daily stipend. As even young Lucetta Cotton Thomas could have told them, rooms at the Pierre cost somewhat more. Garsson may have received $78 million in government contracts, but was imprisoned for bribery in 1949. Still, no one at the trials said that they did not like staying at The Pierre.
Bettmann Archive Ginger Rogers gets her Daiquiri-toned French lace dress fitted by its designer, Richard Meril, in preparation for the “Prestige Award from France” fashion show at The Pierre Pierre.
1950s Glamour and The Birdcage Bar
By the 1950s, the hotel had reached new heights of glamour. Chief among the novelties was The Birdcage, a plexiglass bar suspended above the rotunda. It was splashily advertised as “a rendezvous for cocktails.” Charles Pierre, who once prophesied that people would flock to his hotel for drinks, would have been pleased.
In the coming years, the hotel would not only be home to the city’s toniest citizens, but Hollywood royalty. Joan Blondell noted that, when her dog “gave birth to seven puppies, the manager of the Pierre hotel assisted the vet in delivery.” Audrey Hepburn stayed there throughout the filming of that quintessential New York movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. During those years, she was feted at the hotel with a gala hosted by Countess Alexandra Tolstoy. The meeting would inspire one of her future roles in War and Peace.
Audrey Hepburn, who won Hollywood’s Academy Award for her performance in the film “Roman Holiday,” is ecstatic after finally receiving her Oscar at a special ceremony in at The Pierre. Sharing her enthusiasm is fellow winner William Holden
Bettmann Archive via Getty Images
The fact that in 1958 the hotel became a co-op, where guests could buy apartments, only added to its appeal. Especially as those apartment owners included Aristotle Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor, the thought of visiting New York from Middle America may have been exciting on its own. The thought of running into Elizabeth Taylor in the lobby of the hotel you were staying at was almost overwhelming.
Penske Media via Getty Images Bill Buckley and Nan Kempner at an annual gala held at The Pierre.
Jewel Heists and Fashion Royalty
By 1967, the hotel underwent a transformation also fit for royalty. The new owner, Peter Dowling, commissioned Edward Melcarth to paint the rotunda’s iconic trompe l’oeil mural. Inspired by 17th-century palaces, Melcarth claimed that he wanted to “make people feel very special and important when they walk into this room. The figures are heroic in scale because I want to rehumanize man as an individual. We’re not digits on a computer card.” The people in the mural, accordingly, were not confined to the past. The painting features columns and Greek gods in recline, alongside “a hippie boy and mini-skirted girl” meant to depict a modern Adam and Eve. Rather to her surprise, Melcarth’s mural also boasted a depiction of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. (Kennedy asked to be removed from the picture. Melcarth accommodated by partially disguising her, but a discerning visitor can still spot her image.)
Pat Nixon leaving The Pierre to go shopping.
Penske Media via Getty Images
Visitors would get a less agreeable thrill when burglars broke into the hotel on January 2, 1972. On that day, four reportedly well-dressed gunmen pulled up to the hotel in a limousine. They handcuffed a variety of employees and guests. After, they proceeded to clean out 47 safe deposit boxes containing approximately $3 million in jewels, before departing, again, in a limousine. The men were arrested within a week, and the jewels recovered, though police recalled it as being one of “the biggest and slickest hotel robberies ever.”
Penske Media via Getty Images Karl Lagerfeld at The Pierre in the 1970s.
The flurry of reportage around the jewel theft only increased the hotel’s allure to the fashionable set. In 1970, the designer Karl Lagerfeld, a habitué of the hotel, would say, “I discovered New York from The Pierre . . . Distances in the city were measured only by how far they were from The Pierre.” He did not have to go far to see his friends. Givency, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino were all regulars—Valentino even bought St. Laurent’s Pierre apartment in 2007.
Getty Images Andy Warhol outside of The Pierre in 1985.
Pat Nixon, not to be outdone by Jackie, had designers bring their creations to her while staying in a suite at the hotel. In 1975, Betty Ford went to see the first Chanel Fashion show in the country, held, predictably, at the hotel Coco herself had loved. By 1976, Jackie Kennedy was on the premises once more, this time with Valentino for his show benefiting the Special Olympics. Television Dynasty star Joan Collins showcased her hats at the hotel in 1985, with Andy Warhol in attendance. The hats were lovely, but did prompt a reporter to wonder, “When, besides for lunch at the Pierre, would someone wear a large straw hat?” This seemed as much an inducement for many to lunch at The Pierre as it was for them to do away with hats.
Getty Images Richard Nixon at The Pierre in January 1969.
The Pierre on the Silver Screen
By the 1990s, the hotel again found itself connected to Hollywood, although this time in front of the scenes. Al Pacino twirled in The Pierre ballroom for the famed tango scene in 1995’s Scent of a Woman. The penthouse served as the Anthony Hopkins character’s home in 1998’s Meet Joe Black. And, following the $100 million renovation The Pierre underwent in 2013, it was featured in the heist movie Ocean’s 8. Considering its legacy, there could certainly be no more fitting hotel for a film about a group of well-dressed female jewel thieves.
Jacqueline Kennedy with American diplomat/businessman Sol Linowitz outside of The Pierre.
Penske Media via Getty Images
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach at The Pierre.
Today, the hotel is celebrating 95 years, an admirable accomplishment in a city where new establishments seem to pop up nightly. Perhaps part of its success has to do with the respect its owners have shown towards its storied legacy. Right now, the restaurant offers a tribute to Auguste Escoffier, and the mural, lovingly repainted in 2016, ensures that the rotunda is considered one of the most romantic rooms in New York. The details and owners may have changed, but The Pierre remains as glamorous and beloved as it was by those long-ago debutantes and Charles Pierre Casalasco himself.
Getty Images A view from Central Park of the Pierre (left) and Sherry Netherland hotels on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City. Both buildings were designed by Schultze and Weaver.
Air travel disruptions continued on Wednesday, and even after lawmakers approved a deal to end the government shutdown, officials warned that delays and cancellations may persist.
The Department of Transportation on Wednesday night announced that 6% of scheduled flights at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports will remain canceled on Thursday, rolling back the initial plan to increase cancellations to 8% on Thursday.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said there has been a decline in air traffic controller callouts since the weekend. He said it’s a good sign that airlines may soon be able to resume normal operations.
“The FAA safety team is encouraged to see our air traffic control staffing surge, and they feel comfortable with pausing the reduction schedule to give us time to review the airspace,” Duffy said in a statement. “The data is going to guide what we do because the safety of the American people comes first.”
More than 900 U.S. flights had been canceled as of 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, according to data from the tracking site FlightAware. Another 2,203 flights were delayed, though not all of those delays were due to staffing.
Tuesday had fewer flight delays and cancellations than previous days. Air traffic control towers reported minimal staffing shortages with only 11 staffing triggers, or times when the air traffic controller levels fell below planned minimums, compared to the 81 that occurred on Saturday. On Wednesday, there were four staffing triggers.
But even once the government reopens, reversing the flight cuts will not be immediate, Duffy said on Tuesday. The process may happen gradually, as the cuts themselves were phased in, he said. Duffy said he and FAA safety officials would look at relevant data, including pilot complaints, incidents where planes fly too close together, and runway incursions before reversing any of the cuts.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC that he believed the airline’s operations would normalize shortly after the end of the shutdown.
Delta had 2,500 cancellations in recent days, which Bastian said was a “crazy amount” that had cost the airline significantly. Travelers should be able to fly as scheduled for Thanksgiving as long as the shutdown ends soon, Bastian said.
“We’re going to be OK for Thanksgiving. We’re going to be OK,” he said. “We got to get the vote done, and so we’re counting on Congress doing their job and making that happen. But Thanksgiving will be fine.”
The uncertainty is leaving flyers anxious.
“We’re just hoping and praying for the best,” said Marlyn Mayo, who was flying from Washington, D.C., to Dallas-Fort Worth in Texas.
Huckberry, purveyor of finely curated clothing and gear for the sort of person equally at home in the woods and the city, is having one of the company’s rare site-wide sales this week—or pretty close to site-wide. We’ve tested and love quite a bit of Huckberry’s stuff, especially the Proof 72-hour merino T-shirt. If you buy nothing else this year, buy that. Trust me. Check out the other deals, which we’ve rounded up below.
Great Deals on our Favorite Travel Clothes
Courtesy of Huckberry
Proof
72-Hour Merino T-Shirt
Huckberry’s Proof 72-Hour Merino is our favorite merino wool T-shirt. The cut and style are not overly sporty, making it more versatile than some others, from everyday wear around town to a trip to the gym. Mine is still soft after six months of wear and washing. At 87 percent 150-gsm superfine merino wool (16.5 micron) and 13 percent nylon, this T-shirt makes a great starter for those new to merino wool—there’s enough nylon that it’s stretchy, and not the least bit itchy.
These pants are the companion piece to the 72-hour shirt above. There’s quite a bit less wool here, though. The breakdown is 47 percent merino wool, 33 percent nylon, 14 percent polyester, and 6 percent elastane. The result is a much stretchier fabric than the T-shirt, which still provides a good amount of moisture-wicking and the anti-odor properties of merino. My only gripe with these is that they feel synthetic. What I love about them is the stain resistance. Yes, that DWR coating that gives them that stain resistance will wear off, but it’s not too hard to rejuvenate it.
When I travel, these are the pants I wear. They’re light, comfy, stretchy, and weigh next to nothing. They’re 98 percent cotton, with 2 percent spandex to give them a little stretch. Unlike jeans, these have enough flex that you can easily do squats in them. That might translate to some stretching out over time, but I’ve been wearing mine for almost a year now and they still fit perfectly.
I love this jacket. It’s the only jacket I’ve ever worn that anyone has complimented me on, which is also the case for another WIRED staffer. Waxed canvas is definitely heavy, but it stands up very well to wear. I’ve had my Trucker Jacket for well over a year, and it still looks like new. I don’t need to rewax it yet, but I have rewaxed other things, and it’s dead simple to do. There’s also a wool-lined version, which I have not tried but I do kinda wish I had that instead of the flannel. It’s on sale as well.
Deals on Backpacks, Coffee Brewers, and Other Gear
Courtesy of Huckberry
GoRucks are awesome backpacks, but they aren’t cheap. Here’s a chance to get the GoRuck GR1 for a bit less. This is a collaboration between GoRuck and Huckberry, with branding from both companies on the pack. My favorite thing about the GR1 is its versatility. I have used this pack for plane travel (as a carry-on), rucking, hiking, hauling camera gear, and more. I even strapped it to the back rack of my bike for an overnight bike-packing trip. If you want to ruck with it, grab a weight plate as well.
The Yeti Hopper Flip 12 is a nice little personal-size cooler. Hopper Flip 12 closes with a water proof zipper, which has never leaked on me thus far. With 12 quarts of capacity, it’s not huge. Think a six pack and sandwich, depending on what you use to keep things cold (ice packs are the way to go with this one).
This isn’t a huge discount, but any time you can save some money on Snow Peak it’s a win. The company’s incredibly well-designed gear isn’t cheap. Take this mug, which amounts to a $47 coffee mug. But look, it’s titanium, OK? And it’s double-walled, so your coffee stays warm even on those bitter cold mornings at the cabin. Wired editor Adrienne So has used these as camping mugs for 10 years.
If you’re going to get the mug, you might as well get the French press too.
You see where we’re going here—mug, brewer, and now grinder. Yes, this is a $140 (on sale!) military-grade aluminum and high-carbon stainless steel burr grinder, which, I know, that’s a lot. This is also hands down the best, most reliable hand grinder I’ve ever used. Mine is five years old and has stood up to the abuse of years and years of travel without missing a beat. It’s missing a little paint, but otherwise works exactly like the day I got it. On sale, I might add.
Photograph: Peak Design
The Everyday Backpack is one of our favorite camera bags, but it doesn’t have to be that. It’s really just a nice EDC backpack with some well thought out features, like a tuck-away waist strap, three FlexFold dividers, and a nice strap for attaching it to the handle of your rolling carry on bag.
Frosty start this morning, temps warming up this afternoon
AFTER TWO SATURDAY MORNING. ALL RIGHT. LET’S TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR FORECAST TODAY, BECAUSE THIS MORNING WE’VE GOT IMPACT WEATHER ANOTHER COLD ONE OUT THERE REALLY A ROLLER COASTER OF A WEATHER FORECAST. IT’S IT’S WILD. WE’RE WAKING UP TO THE 20S THIS MORNING. WHAT? I KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING. THIS IS CENTRAL FLORIDA RIGHT. WE’VE GOT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS AND TEMPERATURES IN THE 20S. YEAH. WHAT’S HAPPENING? ERIC. YEAH, I KNOW CATS AND DOGS LIVING TOGETHER. MASS HYSTERIA. ALL RIGHT, SO WE’VE GOT FREEZE WARNINGS IN EFFECT FOR MARION COUNTY. BUT KNOW THIS. WE WILL BRING THOSE TEMPERATURES UP FROM YESTERDAY’S 36 IN ORLANDO TO SUNDAY’S HIGH TEMPERATURE OF 80 DEGREES FLORIDA WILL FLORIDA. SO WE’VE GOT THE CHANGE IN STORE FOR THIS MORNING. IT’S A COLD START, A FROSTY START. BUT THIS AFTERNOON, NOT AS COLD. AND THEN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS WE START TRENDING BETTER AND BETTER. BUT FOR NOW LOOK AT THESE NUMBERS. 28 DEGREES IN OCALA, 37. IN DELAND IT’S 42 DEGREES IN ORLANDO. LET’S TAKE YOU IN KIND OF NEIGHBORHOOD BY NEIGHBORHOOD, 32 IN LADY LAKE. IT’S 41 DEGREES IN LEESBURG, 33 ASTATULA 40 IN CLERMONT, IT’S 42 AT THE AIRPORT, WHICH IS OUR OFFICIAL STATION, BUT IT’S 46 IN DOWNTOWN. THE BUILDINGS KIND OF RADIATING OUT SOME HEAT ENERGY. 38 FOR US IN WINDERMERE, 42 LAKE BUTLER, 44 DEGREES OVER AT DURBAN PARK, 44 DEGREES LAKE TAHOE AND INTO BREVARD COUNTY. LOWER 50S OUT ON THE BARRIER ISLAND. WE’RE IN THE UPPER 40S, THOUGH. EXCUSE ME. INLAND JUST A LITTLE BIT. AND MONITORING THE TEMPERATURES IN THE RECORDS. ORLANDO IS NOT IN RECORD TERRITORY, BUT SANFORD LEESBURG DAYTONA BEACH ALL HAVE EITHER TIED OR SET NEW RECORDS. AND MELBOURNE, YOU’RE AWFUL CLOSE. YOU’RE ONE DEGREE SHY, SO WE’RE DEFINITELY WATCHING IT. SO IT’S IMPACT WEATHER THIS MORNING. BUT THROUGH THE DAY TODAY THOSE TEMPERATURES ARE GOING TO CLIMB MID 60S, 1:00 UPPER 60S. BY 3 P.M. IT’S GOING TO BE BEAUTIFUL. AND THEN FOR TONIGHT NOT QUITE AS CHILLY WHICH IS DEFINITELY THE DIRECTION FLORIDIANS PROBABLY WANT TO GO. UPPER 60S FROM DEBARY BACK OVER TO ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, 69 DEGREES IN ORLANDO AND LOOKING AROUND THE REST OF TOWN, IT’S THE UPPER 60S TO THE LOWER 70S FOR TOMORROW MORNING, LOWER 40S, MID UPPER 40S. IT’S GOING TO BE A BEAUTIFUL START TO THE DAY, BUT WE’RE TRENDING WARMER AND WARMER THIS MORNING. WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO A LIVE TOWER CAM SHOT OF THE SUNRISE AS IT COMES, AND WHEN IT DOES, IT IS GOING TO BE SPECTACULAR. 69 DEGREES OUR HIGH TEMPERATURE FOR TODAY. FOR TOMORROW. IT’S A COOL START, BUT NOT AS COLD. WE’LL CLIMB TO ABOUT 74 DEGREES 77 FOR OUR FRIDAY TEMPERATURE AND THEN NOTICE INTO THE WEEKEND, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ARE GETTING BACK TO NEARLY 80 DEGREES. COASTLINE. BASICALLY THE SAME IDEA WE’RE ADDING IN SOME CLOUDS. SURE, WE’RE ADDING IN SOME HUMIDITY, BUT THIS IS THE WAY FALL SHOULD BE. IT IS GORGEOUS. WE’RE RIGHT ABOUT WHERE WE SHOULD BE, WHICH MEANS ANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES YOU’VE
Frosty start this morning, temps warming up this afternoon
Temperatures dropped into the 30s and 40s this morning, raising concerns about frost. Once the sun rises, temperatures are expected to rebound to the upper 60s, which, while not average, will not feel like a typical January day. Later this week, temperatures will start climbing back to highs in the upper 70s, returning to average levels.First Warning Weather Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.RadarSevere Weather AlertsDownload the WESH 2 News app to get the most up-to-date weather alerts. The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.What is Impact Weather?Impact Weather suggests weather conditions could be disruptive or a nuisance for travel and day-to-day activities.What is a Severe Weather Warning Day?A Severe Weather Warning Day suggests weather conditions that could potentially harm life or property.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Temperatures dropped into the 30s and 40s this morning, raising concerns about frost.
Once the sun rises, temperatures are expected to rebound to the upper 60s, which, while not average, will not feel like a typical January day.
Later this week, temperatures will start climbing back to highs in the upper 70s, returning to average levels.
First Warning Weather
Stay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.
Download the WESH 2 News app to get the most up-to-date weather alerts.
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,700 flights on Sunday as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air traffic across the nation would “slow to a trickle” if the federal government shutdown lingered into the busy Thanksgiving travel holiday season.
The slowdown at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports began to cause more widespread disruptions in its third day. The FAA last week ordered flight cuts at the nation’s busiest airports as some air traffic controllers, who have gone unpaid for nearly a month, have stopped showing up for work.
In addition, nearly 10,000 flight delays were reported on Sunday alone, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks air travel disruptions. More than 1,000 flights were canceled Friday, and more than 1,500 on Saturday.
The FAA reductions started Friday at 4% and were set to increase to 10% by Nov. 14. They are in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time and will impact all commercial airlines.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta stood to have the most cancellations Sunday, followed by Chicago O’Hare International, where wintry weather threatened. In Georgia, weather could also be a factor, with the National Weather Service office in Atlanta warning of widespread freezing conditions through Tuesday.
Traveler Kyra March finally arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson on Sunday after a series of postponements the day before.
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“I was coming from Tampa and that flight got delayed, delayed, delayed. Then it was canceled and then rebooked. And so I had to stay at a hotel and then came back this morning,” she said.
The FAA said staffing shortages at Newark and LaGuardia Airport in New York were leading to average departure delays of about 75 minutes.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Michigan was mostly empty Sunday morning, with minimal wait times at security checkpoints as delays and cancellations filled the departures and arrivals boards.
Earlier Sunday, Duffy warned that U.S. air traffic could decline significantly if the shutdown persisted. He said additional flight cuts — perhaps up to 20% — might be needed, particularly if controllers receive no pay for a second straight pay period.
“More controllers aren’t coming to work day by day, the further they go without a paycheck,” Duffy told “Fox News Sunday.”
“As I look two weeks out, as we get closer to Thanksgiving travel, I think what’s going to happen is you’re going to have air travel slow to a trickle as everyone wants to travel to see their families,” Duffy said.
With “very few” controllers working, “you’ll have a few flights taking off and landing” and thousands of cancellations, he said.
“You’re going to have massive disruption. I think a lot of angry Americans. I think we have to be honest about where this is going. It doesn’t get better,” Duffy said. “It gets worse until these air traffic controllers are going to be paid.”
The government has been short of air traffic controllers for years, and multiple presidential administrations have tried to convince retirement-age controllers to remain on the job. Duffy said the shutdown has exacerbated the problem, leading some air traffic controllers to speed up their retirements.
“Up to 15 or 20 a day are retiring,” Duffy said on CNN.
Duffy said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth texted him with an offer to lend military air traffic controllers, but it’s unclear whether the staff is certified to work on civilian systems.
Duffy denied Democratic charges that the flight cancellations are a political tactic, saying they were necessary due to increasing near-misses from an overtaxed system.
“I needed to take action to keep people safe,” Duffy said. “I’m doing what I can in a mess that Democrats have put in my lap.”
Airlines for America, a trade group representing U.S. carriers, said air traffic control staffing-related delays exceeded 3,000 hours on Saturday, the highest of the shutdown, and that staffing problems contributed to 71% of delay time.
From Oct. 1 to Nov. 7, controller shortages have disrupted more than 4 million passengers on U.S. carriers, according to Airlines for America.
The dream of personal flight has always felt just out of reach, until now. A company called AltoVolo has unveiled something that might make it real: the world’s first eVTOL configurator.
That might sound technical, but it’s actually simple. “eVTOL” stands for electric vertical takeoff and landing. Think of a small, quiet aircraft that lifts off like a helicopter but flies forward like a plane, all powered by electric or hybrid engines instead of noisy fuel-burning ones.
And a configurator? It’s a tool that lets you design your own version online, choosing colors, materials and other personal details. Put the two together, and you’ve got something quite remarkable: the ability to design your own flying vehicle from your laptop.
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With AltoVolo’s world-first online configurator, you can design every detail of your Sigma eVTOL.(AltoVolo)
A new kind of personal aircraft
AltoVolo’s aircraft is called the Sigma, and it’s unlike anything on the market. It’s a three-seater hybrid-electric vehicle that combines quiet operation with long range. The Sigma can fly about 500 miles, reach speeds over 220 mph and is more than 80% quieter than a helicopter.
That quietness isn’t just about comfort; it’s what makes urban air travel possible. Imagine small aircraft quietly taking off from rooftops or open fields, connecting cities and towns without the noise pollution we associate with helicopters today.
Safety is built in, too. The Sigma can keep flying even if one of its small electric jet engines fails, and it carries a ballistic parachute for emergencies. It’s compact and light, just under 16 feet wide and weighing a little over 2,100 pounds, making it easier to operate and store than you might expect.
The Sigma is over 80% quieter than a helicopter combining sleek hybrid-electric power with quiet performance.(AltoVolo)
From concept to customization
The idea of customizing your own aircraft might sound futuristic, but AltoVolo’s online configurator makes it surprisingly accessible.
Like building your own car online, you can choose colors, seat materials, interior details and even the stitching on your seatbelts. Founder and CEO Will Wood says the company’s goal isn’t to compete on price but on experience and technology.
“Much like you’d expect from a supercar brand, we’re focused on performance and refinement,” he explained.
The first 100 Sigma models will be limited editions, offering special finishes and materials that won’t appear on later production units.
AltoVolo isn’t stopping at online design. They’ve built a high-fidelity flight simulator that mirrors the Sigma’s cockpit exactly, right down to its carbon fiber and soft leather interior.
Customers can train in the simulator and even use those hours toward a pilot’s license. The simulator gives them a chance to “fly” their customized Sigma before ever leaving the ground.
And for everyone else? The company is sharing flight footage from its simulator on YouTube, so people can see how the Sigma handles in the air.
“For AltoVolo, opening our order book is a major milestone in bringing the Sigma to life,” Wood tells CyberGuy. “Having early customers make an initial financial commitment shows us real demand. In turn, we are able to raise capital to finalise the product, progress certification and prepare for production. Presenting the flight simulator has been a useful catalyst. Allowing customers to fly in a simulated environment really helps them realise how easy this type of aircraft will be to fly.”
An exclusive community for early Sigma owners shapes the future of personal air travel and sustainable innovation.(AltoVolo)
Innovation you can feel
One of the most interesting details about the Sigma is something you can’t see: the sound inside the cabin. AltoVolo’s engineers are working to reduce vibration and interior noise, creating a calm, smooth flight experience.
At the same time, they’re experimenting with a synthesized soundscape, a gentle background tone that changes with the aircraft’s power use. It helps pilots sense how the vehicle is performing and adds a cinematic touch to the flying experience.
It’s part science, part art and a hint at how human-centered this design really is.
Future pilots can train in a realistic Sigma cockpit simulator and even log hours toward a license.(AltoVolo)
The path to certification
The Sigma will benefit from new U.S. aviation rules called MOSAIC, which simplify the process for certifying small, advanced aircraft. This means the Sigma can be sold as a light sport aircraft, lowering costs for both the company and future pilots. Certification is also underway in Europe and the UK, which could make global operations possible in the next few years.
Building a community around flight
Buying a Sigma isn’t just about owning an aircraft; it’s about joining a new kind of community. AltoVolo wants Sigma owners to become collaborators, helping to shape the product and the future of urban flight. The company is also planning a global service and support network, including maintenance and training centers, to make ownership practical for people beyond traditional aviation circles.
What this means to you
For most of us, flying still means boarding a big plane at a crowded airport. But companies like AltoVolo are trying to change that. The Sigma represents a future where small, efficient aircraft could handle regional travel, connecting towns, suburbs and cities in new ways. It’s the kind of innovation that could one day make air travel as personal as driving. And while it’s still very early, AltoVolo’s new configurator makes the dream of personal air travel feel a bit more real.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
AltoVolo’s Sigma may not replace your car anytime soon, but it gives us a glimpse of what’s coming: a world where flight is cleaner, quieter and designed around the individual. It’s a preview of how the future of travel might not be on the road at all, but instead in the air.
If you could design your own aircraft, where would your first flight take you? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com
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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
A new chapter in trucking has begun. Waabi, the leader in physical artificial intelligence, has revealed a major milestone in autonomous trucking, integrating the Waabi Driver with the Volvo VNL Autonomous. Together, these technologies mark a major step toward delivering an autonomous solution that is safe and supports broad commercial deployment.
This joint autonomous trucking solution also integrates NVIDIA’s DRIVE AGX Thor and Hyperion 10 architecture.
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Waabi integrates its Waabi Driver with Volvo’s VNL Autonomous, signaling a push toward safe, scalable Level 4 trucking.(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
How this AI-powered autonomous truck was built for scale
In early 2025, Waabi and Volvo Autonomous Solutions announced a long-term partnership to develop and deploy autonomous trucks.
Volvo’s New River Valley plant in Virginia is producing the VNL Autonomous with six critical redundant or back-up systems — including dual braking, steering, communication, computing, power, energy storage and motion control — which are key to safe operations without a driver in the seat.
Waabi provides the Waabi Driver, an end-to-end AI model that learns from experience and adapts to new conditions. The company also uses its advanced simulator, Waabi World, to expose the AI to millions of realistic driving situations before it reaches the road. Waabi calls this approach“physical AI,” which allows it to generalize across different environments safely.
“The future of autonomous trucking depends on technology that is safe, scalable, and built for customer needs,” said Raquel Urtasun, Founder and CEO of Waabi. “Together with Volvo and NVIDIA, we’re leading autonomous freight into a safer and more efficient era.”
Volvo’s New River Valley plant builds the VNL Autonomous with six redundant systems to enable driverless operations.(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Why the AI-powered autonomous truck matters for freight
The U.S. freight market continues to face growing demand and a shortage of qualified drivers. AI-powered autonomous trucks offer one of the most promising solutions to keep goods moving. By integrating the self-driving technologies of partners like Aurora Innovation and Waabi into the Volvo VNL Autonomous on the pilot line at its New River Facility in Virginia, Volvo Autonomous Solutions is able to deliver autonomous trucks with OEM-grade quality and consistency.
Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, said the partnership is helping build the broader ecosystem needed for commercial deployment.
“Autonomy has the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in the transport industry, including safety, efficiency, and capacity,” he said.
“Self-driving is one of the first frontiers in which we will see physical AI become a reality,” said Rishi Dhall, Vice President of Automotive at NVIDIA. “Our purpose-built compute platform complements Waabi’s pioneering end-to-end verifiable trucking system, and it’s coming to life on the VNL Autonomous. Level 4 autonomy in trucking is happening now.”
Concerns and challenges facing AI-powered trucks
Despite the excitement, driverless freight faces real challenges. Safety remains the top concern as trucks encounter unpredictable weather, road debris and human drivers. While simulation can prepare AI for millions of events, regulators are still defining how to certify systems for nationwide deployment.
The shift toward automation also raises economic questions. Trucking employs millions of drivers across the United States, and experts predict that job roles will evolve as fleets adopt autonomous systems. Labor groups and state officials are calling for retraining programs to help workers transition into new positions that support automation.
Data privacy and cybersecurity are growing priorities too. These trucks depend on constant cloud connectivity, which makes them potential targets for hackers.
Public perception could also influence how fast adoption moves. Many people like the idea of innovation but hesitate to share the road with fully autonomous vehicles. Building trust will require transparency, safety trials and a strong performance record on open highways.
Volvo and Waabi say their integrated platform targets broad commercial deployment as U.S. freight demand grows.(Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)
What comes next for the AI-powered autonomous truck
Volvo and Waabi have already completed the integration of the Waabi Driver with the Volvo VNL Autonomous. The companies describe this milestone as a key step toward Level 4 autonomous operation, meaning the truck will be able to drive itself without human intervention under defined conditions.
This collaboration builds on Volvo Group Venture Capital’s early investment in Waabi in 2023 and its later participation in Waabi’s $200 million Series B funding round in 2024. That support helped set the stage for this integration and for future broad commercial deployment.
Shahrukh Kazmi, Chief Product Officer at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, said Waabi’s technology fits perfectly into Volvo’s platform.
“We are excited to integrate Waabi’s cutting-edge system into our autonomous truck and jointly develop a safe, efficient, and scalable transport solution,” he said.
What this means to you
If you depend on deliveries or shop online, driverless freight could soon shape how products reach your home. These AI-powered trucks can operate longer hours than human drivers, reducing shipping delays and potentially lowering transportation costs.
Automation could also make highways safer by cutting down on fatigue-related crashes. With fewer disruptions from freight incidents, travel may become smoother for everyone sharing the road.
This collaboration highlights how artificial intelligence is moving from theory to production lines and changing the way goods move across America.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
The road ahead for self-driving freight looks both exciting and uncertain. The progress made by AI-powered trucks shows how far automation has come in solving real challenges like driver shortages and delivery delays. At the same time, it sparks debate about safety, employment and trust in technology. As this shift continues, clear communication and responsible testing will help the public feel more confident sharing the road with these trucks. Change is already rolling out, and how we respond today will define the future of transportation.
When fully autonomous trucks start traveling highways nationwide, will the promise of faster and safer freight outweigh the economic and social changes that follow? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
At 40 of the country’s busiest airports, flights coming and going will be reduced by 10% this week.
Travelers go through TSA airport security at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in SeaTac, Wash.(Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
That means thousands of flights canceled, or in other words, 200,000 fewer seats and butts in the air per day. Blame it on a record‑long government shutdown.
Major hubs will be the hardest hit: Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York‑JFK, Chicago O’Hare and many more. Together, those 40 airports cover roughly 70% of U.S. flights, so yes, even if you’re in Hicksville, you feel it.
Your “flightmare” survival plan
A traveler waits with his luggage at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., on Nov. 7, 2025. Hundreds of flights were canceled across the United States on Friday after the Trump administration ordered reductions to ease strain on air traffic controllers who are working without pay amid congressional paralysis on funding the US budget. Forty airports were due to slow down, including the giant hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)
Your “flightmare” survival plan
If you plan on flying anywhere, here’s what you do.
Book the first flight of the day. Yea, it’s a bummer, but flights departing before 9 a.m. are about twice as likely to fly as those later in the day.
Download your airline’s app now. This is your fastest route to real‑time rebooks and alerts.
Use the MyTSA app. Get live security wait times, so you’re not stuck in a five‑hour shuffle line that’s already happening.
Check your seat map. Oddly empty flight = higher risk of cancellation. Full flight = safer bet.
Know your rights. If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed due to the cuts, you’re legally entitled to a cash refund, not just some future credit.
Have a Plan B. Rental car one‑way pickups are up 20% this week. Trains or even a longer drive might save your holiday.
Gas prices are down (average around $3.08), so a road trip could really make sense.
Don’t wait. Don’t assume. Keep checking, stay flexible and treat your travel like you’d treat a storm warning: Get ahead of it, not behind it.
Travelers head down an escalator after clearing through a security checkpoint in Denver International Airport Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Denver.(David Zalubowski/AP Photo)
Pass this on: Know someone flying soon? Don’t leave them grounded. Forward this post before they end up sleeping in an airport chair with their neck at a 90-degree angle. Sharing this could save a trip, a holiday or at least someone’s sanity. And hey, we’ve all got that one friend who needs the reminder to download the airline app before they get to the gate.
We try a lot of bags! Here are others that just did not earn a place in our top picks.
Photograph: Martin Cizmar
Carl Friedrik Carry-On for $645: This British brand positions itself as a quiet luxury bag. It has a distinctive appearance, with leather accents and typical high-end features like smoothly rolling Hinamoto wheels, a built-in lock, and well-functioning latches. This is what you get if you want a classy appearance but don’t want disgruntled baggage handlers to target your Rimowa.
Aer Carry-On for $299: Aer’s carry-on has very nice Hinamoto ball bearings as well as wheel locks, for when you’re taking the shuttle to the car rental office.
Casetify Bounce Suitcase for $699: Casetify’s phone cases always earn a spot in our phone case roundups because they’re cute and customizable. So is the company’s first piece of luggage, which is adorable and which you can monogram. Unfortunately, it’s also smaller and much more expensive than most of our other picks.
Courtesy of Beis
Beis Carry-On Roller for $268: WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell tried the viral Beis suitcase and loved its sleek looks, variety of colors, and extras like a built-in weight gauge and a retractable strap that lets you clip a backpack or duffel to the front.
Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On for $52: Getting on a plane in two days and need a functional roller bag you don’t have to drop a lot of money on? This Amazon Basics bag will totally do the trick. The wheels certainly don’t roll like a Rimowa and the zippers far too often snag, but it’s very light and the textured ABS shell doesn’t scuff easily.—Martin Cizmar
Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On for $210: This is a hard-side, four-wheeled spinner carry-on made from an outer shell of durable polypropylene. The interior fabric is made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles, and it has a “WetPak” storage pocket for keeping damp items separated from the rest of your luggage.
FAQs
Are you a recent convert to the carry-on life? Let us help you out.
What Is the 3-1-1 Rule for Carry-Ons?
The 3-1-1 rule is an easy mnemonic (supposedly) from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that refers to what liquids you can in a carry-on. You can bring liquids that are smaller than 3.4 ounces in one, clear, quart-sized bag, with one per person. I usually fit mine inside my toiletry bag, but many people put theirs in the external toiletry pocket for quick extraction if TSA needs to check.
Should I Get a Softshell or a Hardshell Suitcase?
Truthfully, quality hardware matters much more than the material. Any spendier suitcase with a better warranty will last you longer than a cheaper suitcase. Softshells usually have front pockets and they’re softer and easier to expand and squish into smaller compartments. However, the fabric can be permeable to water, and they’re easier to slash open. Hardshells are usually lighter, but you’re a little less flexible with regards to storage. I prefer softshells, but I don’t ever leave my luggage unattended.
What Size Suitcase Can I Bring?
If you take one tip away from this guide, let this be it: Save yourself the aggravation at the airport, check the size requirements for your airline, and grab a tape measure. If you’re in doubt, pick a soft-sided bag so you can squeeze it into the airline’s sizer box when you’re about to board. Each airline has different requirements; we’ve included several airlines here.
Airline
Size Requirements
American
22 x 14 x 9 inches
Ryanair
22 x 16 x 8 inches
Delta
22 x 14 x 9 inches
EasyJet
17.7 x 14 x 7.8 inches
Alaska
22 x 14 x 9 inches
Frontier
24 x 10 x 16 inches
JetBlue
22 x 14 x 9 inches
Air Canada
21.5 x 9 x 15.5 inches
Members of the Reviews team have taken at least two flights with each of the bags in this roundup. Each bag has different features, and we look at materials, weight, and size. We test the durability of the materials by stuffing bags into overhead bins and under seats. We check how well and how smoothly the wheels glide; if the handle feels sturdy and if it accommodates a wide range of heights; whether the straps are durable and can fit our hands; and if the zippers will stand up to frequent overstuffing.
New York City has always been a place that people flock to—to live, to work, to visit, or to play. It’s big and exciting, and there’s almost always something happening: a new play, a new exhibit, or a new restaurant opening.
According to a 2024 report by venture capital firm SignalFire, NYC experienced a tech boom in 2023, becoming the top destination for people relocating with tech jobs, with around 15 percent of them choosing the Big Apple as their destination.
This isn’t the first time the city has seen an influx of technology workers; the 1990s tech boom saw Manhattan’s Flatiron District take off as a hub for high-tech companies, even going so far as to being nicknamed “Silicon Alley.”
That area has since spread, moving its way downtown to Soho, west to Hudson Yards, and more recently over the bridge(s) and into Brooklyn—specifically Dumbo, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Downtown Brooklyn, forming the Brooklyn Tech Triangle.
Dumbo, which stands for “Down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass,” is situated between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges on the East River waterfront. The popular neighborhood has great views of Manhattan and the bridges, and an ever-expanding food and drink scene to keep you fed while working and making time to play.
Jump to Section
Where to Stay
Courtesy of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
60 Furman St., (347) 696-2500
If you’re going to stay in Dumbo, you’re going to want views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the iconic bridges that extend between the two, and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers that and more. Yes, there is a gym and spa, but there’s also a rooftop pool, which comes in quite handy on those stupidly hot summer days. James Beard Award–winning restaurateur Jonathan Waxman recently brought his iconic West Village restaurant, Barbuto, to the hotel. On the 10th Floor, find Harriet’s Lounge for sushi, bao buns, and wagyu toasts. From 10 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays, listen to live DJs spinning sets while you enjoy craft cocktails and the view.
Don’t forget to end the day with a sustainable drink (or two) at Harriet’s Rooftop, just one floor up from the lounge, for more iconic sunset views. The hotel is pet-friendly, and there’s a café serving espresso, fresh-pressed juices, and artisanal and locally sourced snacks. There’s also a farm stand in the lobby daily from 7 am to 4 pm; grab seasonal fruits that, while they may look “ugly,” are perfect in taste, and all part of the hotel’s sustainability mission.
85 Flatbush Ave Ext., (718) 329-9537
About a 10-minute walk to the bridges and Brooklyn waterfront, The Tillary is a slightly more affordable stay for the area, but still boasts a lobby cafe and rooftop garden bar. Featuring pet-friendly rooms and a fully-equipped gym, this hotel is a great option for still being close to the action, but saving a bit more money. The lobby café offers an affordable range of options (think $4 for an English muffin with egg and cheese and up to $14 for a vegetarian wrap), while the rooftop has a variety of sandwiches, salads, and beverages (both n/a and boozy) to keep you from needing to stray too far.
Courtesy of Ace Brooklyn
252 Schermerhorn St., (718) 313-3636
Technically in Boerum Hill, bordering Downtown Brooklyn, the Ace Hotel is a boutique hotel with trendy furnishings and warm vibes, plus a fitness center. They feature a rotating artist in residence and DJ’s spinning in the lobby most weekend nights. For food, there’s Lele’s Roman, featuring a rotating selection of Roman Aperitivo bites daily from 5 to 7 pm, or hit them up for breakfast (lots of egg options!), lunch (panini, pizza, salad!), and dinner (pasta! pizza! classic contorni!). Don’t feel like Italian? Try Koju for an omakase experience set to a carefully curated vinyl music program.
Where to Work
Photograph: Michael Lee/Getty Images
68 Jay St., (718) 210-3650
Whether you’re looking for fully enclosed office spaces monthly or long-term, a coworking space, or a conference room, Greendesk has got you covered for a very reasonable price. The space is fully furnished with 24/7 access, high-speed internet, kitchens, and a cleaning service.
Multiple locations
From the SOHO House team, SOHO Works is a network of office spaces; rent a meeting room or use the shared lounge space, plus get access to SOHO member events and amenities. Work at either location—10 Jay Street or 55 Water Street—by the hour or rent by the day.
295 Front St., (347) 414-8782
Located in Vinegar Hill, the Bond Collective has numerous options for you to work, whether you need a dedicated desk, private office, team suite, conference rooms, coworking, or simply a day pass. You’ll have 24/7 access, Wi-Fi, fruits, snacks, and breakfast, plus unlimited printing.
Where to Get Your Coffee
Courtesy of Jacques Torres Chocolate
66 Water St., (718) 875-1269
Located on Water Street and open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, this flagship location of the famous chocolatier is where it all began 25 years ago. Here, you’ll find handmade confections, hot chocolate, and ice cream sandwiches. Sample it all, then grab a few things to take with you to share with friends (or not—sharing is overrated).
85 Water St., (718) 797-5026
Almondine has been in Dumbo for over 20 years. Opened by French baker Herve Poussot, this unpretentious bakery thrives on tradition, innovation, and evolution. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported right to Paris with the fresh bread, croissants, and cakes. They even have a daily lunch special from 12 to 3 pm; choose from a half sandwich, then pair it with a soup, salad, cookie, and half-priced drink for only $18.
45 Washington St., (212) 924-7400
Grab a coffee here before strolling down Washington Street (it’s literally located at one of the most iconic spots that people snap photos of the bridge, so beware of influencers posing in the middle of the street) to the waterfront for a nice break and some fresh air.
Where to Eat
Courtesy of Vinegar Hill House
72 Hudson Ave., (718) 522-1018
This is the place you go when you want a relaxed environment with incredible food in cute surroundings. Dining in the outdoor garden is cozy and comforting, while the inside is vintage-inspired and laid back. The menu, while also simple and comforting, is consistent and hits every time.
68 Jay St. #119
Open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 2-ish, this unassuming French-style bakery from Ayako Kurokawa is tucked away in the lobby of 68 Jay Street. The pastries, though French in style, are inspired by Kurokawa’s Japanese upbringing. Scones, cookies, cakes, and slices of pie are all served on silver platters, with handwritten labels on blue paper. The gateau basque is a popular item; go early, as they sell out daily.
1 John St., (718) 522-5356
Opened in 2017, Celestine is the kind of spot that feels chill enough to be your neighborhood go-to, while also special enough to go for a celebration. The menu includes thoughtful vegetable-heavy starters and sides, as well as whole branzino and a 14-ounce ribeye. With floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s not a bad seat in the house to enjoy your meal with a view of the East River and all its happenings.
147 Front St.
This intimate, 10-seat chef’s counter offers a tasting menu and à la carte menu, featuring oysters, crudo, and natural wines by the glass. Try the caviar Frito pie: an open bag of Fritos topped with entirely too much caviar and creme fraiche.
1 Front St., (718) 858-4300
Originally opened in 1990 by Patsy Grimaldi and his wife, Carol, Grimaldi sold the business in 1998 to Frank Ciolli. Grimaldi is of the Patsy’s of Harlem lineage (Patsy is his uncle, from whom he learned to make pizza at age 12). In 2000, Grimaldi’s moved locations next door to their original spot where they continue to sell whole pies in a coal-fired oven.
19 Old Fulton St., (718) 596-6700
If you like a side of gossip with your slice, then Juliana’s is the place to go. Patsy and Carol Grimaldi opened Juliana’s in the original Grimaldi’s location at 19 Old Fulton Street in 2012, which caused a stir in the pizza community, since it’s located next door to Grimaldi’s, their previous business. They even got their original coal-fired oven back. Named after Patsy’s mother, Juliana’s serves coal-fired pizza, meatballs, and salads. They also sell four flavors of par-cooked pies to “take & bake” at home. Try an egg cream—a New York City classic of milk, chocolate or vanilla syrup, and seltzer made frothy by whisking the three ingredients vigorously until foamy. Grub Street called it the best in the city in 2017.
(CNN) — Millions of Americans expecting to fly this month could have their plans grounded weeks ahead of the holiday travel season if the longest government shutdown in US history drags on.
Starting Friday, the Trump administration will cut flights at 40 airports nationwide by 4% and incrementally increase the reduction to 10% by next Friday if the shutdown continues, according to an emergencyorder from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Several major airlines have preemptively canceled hundreds of flights scheduled for Friday and into the weekend. The cancellations will impact airlines like a busy weather day, one airline official told CNN. Unlike a storm, however, they will be spread across multiple cities as opposed to a geographic region.
Here’s what to know if the travel nightmare turns into reality Friday:
Which 40 airports will lose flights?
The reduction in flights will be restricted to 40 “high-volume traffic markets,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. “We’re going to ask the airlines to work with us collaboratively to reduce their schedules.”
The list of airports mentioned in the FAA’s order issued Thursday includes New York City’s three major hubs – New York LaGuardia, New York John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International. Other impacted airports in the Northeast include Boston Logan International, Philadelphia International and Teterboro in New Jersey.
Here are the airports in other regions that will see cuts beginning Friday:
Midwest: Indianapolis International, Chicago Midway International, Chicago O’Hare International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Louisville International and Minneapolis-St. Paul International.
South: Charlotte Douglas International, Dallas Love Field, Dallas-Fort Worth International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Houston Hobby, George Bush Houston Intercontinental, Memphis International, Orlando International, Miami International and Tampa International.
DC area: Baltimore/Washington International, Washington Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National.
West: Denver International, Las Vegas McCarran International, Los Angeles International, Oakland International, Ontario International, Portland International, Phoenix Sky Harbor International, San Diego International, Seattle/Tacoma International, San Francisco International and Salt Lake City International.
Hawaii and Alaska: Anchorage International and Honolulu International.
Many other airports could be impacted as well, since flights from the major cities where FAA cuts are mandatedtravelto smaller airports.
How many flights will be cut?
A 10% reduction in flights as mandated by the FAA could result in thousands of canceled flights a day – an unprecedented cut.
Canceled flights will increase over the next week, beginning with a 4% cut of flights starting Friday at 6 a.m., the FAA order said.
The cut will increase to 6% on Tuesday, then 8% on Thursday and up to 10% next Friday, the order says, if no deal is reached to end the government shutdown. Airlines will decide which specific flights to cut.
“We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely,” said FAA administrator Bedford in a statement from the Department of Transportation.
Which airlines have canceled flights on Friday?
While most major airlines said the impact would be limited, the four largest US airlines have preemptively canceled hundreds of flights.
Delta Air Lines has canceled around 170 regional and mainline flights that were scheduled on Friday, and more regional flights will be canceled, a spokesperson for the carrier told CNN.
United Airlines will preemptively cancel about 200 flights starting Friday, roughly 4% of the airline’s Friday schedule and comprising mostly regional flights. It will cancel about 4% again on Saturday and Sunday, the airline said.
American Airlines reduced flight schedules by 4% at 40 airports Friday through Monday, amounting to about 220 flights canceled each day, according to airline spokesperson Sarah Jantz. “Even with these cancellations, we plan to operate around 6,000 daily flights,” Jantz told CNN.
Around 100 Southwest Airlines flights will be canceled Friday, the airline said. A Southwest spokesperson urged Congress to “immediately resolve its impasse” and said the airline is determining the schedule adjustments needed to meet the FAA’s flight reductions.
I have travel plans in the coming days. What should I do?
“If you are flying Friday or in the next ten days and need to be there or don’t want to be stranded I highly recommend booking a backup ticket on another carrier,” Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle posted on Instagram.
“Don’t book a basic ticket. For example, book Economy on Frontier so you can reuse the ticket value as changes are free or you can get a credit,” Biffle wrote. “If your flight is cancelled your chances of being stranded are high so I would simply have a backup ticket on another airline.”
American, Delta, Southwest, United and Frontier are all offering waivers to allow passengers who do not want to fly to change their tickets without fees.
It’s also helpful to book directly with an airline instead of through a third-party website. That’s because if your flight gets canceled, you might have to deal with another party to resolve the problem.
And try to avoid booking flights with layovers, the US Public Interest Research Group says. The more planes you have to get on to reach your destination, the more chances you have for a flight to be delayed or canceled.
What if I’m stuck at another airport and my flight gets canceled? Will anyone pay for a hotel?
Airlines will be required to refund passengers for flight cancellations but they will not cover other costs like hotels, which the FAA notes is the normal procedure when an airline is not at fault for a delay or cancellation.
Why is all this happening?
The government shutdown, which started on October 1, has prevented many federal employees from getting paid.
Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration screeners are considered essential employees and are expected to go to work during the shutdown. But they’re not getting paid, and some have needed to find other sources of income to pay the bills.
“Controllers are resigning every day now because of the prolonged nature of the shutdown,” said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. “We’re also 400 controllers short — shorter than we were in the 2019 shutdown.”
More than 450 staffing shortages have been reported at FAA facilities since the shutdown began, according to a CNN analysis.
If airports are short-staffed, is it still safe to fly?
The longer the shutdown continues, the more risks could emerge – especially as controllers go longer without pay, the union leader said earlier this week. But federal officials say reducing the number of flights will improve safety.
“Every single day that this goes on, tomorrow is now less safe than today,” Daniels told CNN.
But the newly announced flight cuts will help maintain safety, the head of the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday.
“THIS is safety management, the very foundation of our aviation system, and it’s the right thing to do,” National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy posted on X.
“NTSB has repeatedly stated low air traffic control staffing levels, mandatory overtime, and six-day work weeks have a direct impact on #safety.”
CNN’s Alexandra Skores, Forrest Brown, Aaron Cooper, Tori B. Powell and David Williams contributed to this report.
Travel disruptions have become an uneasy reality for travelers in 2025 as the prolonged government shutdown strains the aviation system. Flight delays and cancellations are increasing, raising many questions about passengers’ rights regarding refunds when schedules change or flights are canceled altogether. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation‘s updated regulations, travelers impacted by disruptions during this crisis have clear protections to seek refunds or alternative arrangements.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to promptly provide full refunds in the original form of payment for all canceled flights, regardless of the reason for cancellation and irrespective of ticket type or purchase conditions, including non-refundable tickets and basic economy fares. This protects passengers who decide not to travel after cancellations or significant schedule changes, as the DOT specifically defines significant delays as three hours or more domestically and six hours or more internationally. However, if a passenger accepts an alternative flight offered by the airline, a refund is generally not available under the current rules.
Additionally, baggage delays over 12 hours domestically (or longer internationally) entitle passengers to reimbursement of baggage fees, subject to filing a mishandled baggage report with the airline. Travelers can also claim refunds for ancillary services like Wi-Fi or lounge access if those services are not delivered as promised.
Amid these disruptions, airlines are required to maintain 24/7 live customer service via phone or chat to assist affected passengers. Several major carriers, including United Airlines, have proactively announced that customers booked during the shutdown can receive refunds even if their flight isn’t directly canceled, providing added flexibility and peace of mind for travelers.
The Department of Transportation and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have repeatedly emphasized the safety rationale behind these disruptions, citing fatigue among air traffic controllers working without pay during this prolonged shutdown. Although the DOT continues to update travelers on operational changes, the recommendation remains to stay well-informed and confirm flight status with airlines ahead of travel to minimize inconvenience.
Travelers impacted by the shutdown can confidently explore refund options knowing the DOT rules back their rights, ensuring some relief amid this challenging situation.
Over 1,000 flights are now experiencing delays as flight cancellations grow during the government shutdown.
As of 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, 1,094 flights within, into or out of the U.S. had been delayed, while 49 had been canceled, according to FlightAware.com.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a flight reduction plan limiting air travel capacity to 40 airports.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told “Fox & Friends” on Thursday travelers might see additional delays.
“Now, does that mean there’s going to be no delays? No … there’s potentially still going to be delays if we have staffing triggers, and we don’t have enough controllers in an aerospace where we did cut 10%, you might see additional delays,” said Duffy.
The U.S. government shutdown has triggered 1,000-plus flight delays as the FAA cuts capacity at 40 airports.(AP Photo/Lekan Oyekanmi)
Many airlines are updating customer policies and warning travelers of potential itinerary updates.
Here are a few worth noting.
United Airlines
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby updated employees in a press release about the impact of FAA reductions.
“United’s long-haul international flying and our hub-to-hub flying will not be impacted,” wrote Kirby.
The Chicago-based airline is offering refunds to customers who do not want to fly during imposed restrictions on flights, “even if their flight isn’t impacted.”
Travelers will be notified if there are any changes to their flight through the United app, website and push notifications.
Airlines offer refunds and policy changes amid ongoing travel disruptions.(Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images)
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is evaluating how the flight restrictions will “affect our schedule and will communicate directly with customers as soon as possible,” according to the company’s website.
The Dallas-based airline is reminding travelers they must cancel their reservations at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time in accordance with airline policy.
American Airlines
American Airlines wrote in a press release that the company “expect[s] the vast majority of [its] customers’ travel will be unaffected.”
However, American says it will reach out to customers as schedule changes are made.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline is placing pressure on Congress, emphasizing the strain on the aviation industry.
“As we come into Thanksgiving, if we’re still in the shutdown posture, it’s going to be rough out there,” said Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)
“We continue to urge leaders in Washington to reach an immediate resolution to end the shutdown,” the release added.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines will waive change or cancellation fees for flights between Nov. 6 to Nov. 12, and travelers will be refunded through travel credits for their itinerary, the company said.
Frontier CEO Barry Biffle shared travel advice with followers on Instagram.
“If you are flying Friday or in the next 10 days, and need to be there or don’t want to be stranded, I highly recommend booking a backup ticket on another carrier,” wrote Biffle.
Duffy shared that Americans should still book holiday travel if they see deals they would like to grab, but also said it is “hard to predict” what may happen.
“As we come into Thanksgiving, if we’re still in the shutdown posture, it’s going to be rough out there. Really rough,” said Duffy. “And we’ll mitigate the safety side, but will you fly on time? Will your flight actually go? That is yet to be seen, but there’ll be more disruption.”
Rachel Wolf of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
Ashley J. DiMella is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.
Cabeau’s Evolution Earth neck pillow is covered in RPET, a super-soft, washable fabric made with recycled plastic bottles. The pillow offers excellent, high sides and a comfortable, firm fit. Like some other pillows in this guide, it can be tricky to use this pillow with over-ear headphones. The back is flat, so in theory it could sit flush against a headrest, though I found it a bit awkward based on my height when I tried it on a bus and plane. (Seat backs rarely work as intended for me.) There’s a chin strap that prevents your head from falling forward.
It took me many attempts to get this “HeadCatch” technology to work, and I didn’t find it super comfortable once it was strapped under my chin, but if you’re a forward-leaner, it’s a nice touch. (I, thankfully, am not.) I wish it came with a travel case, though you can pay an extra $5 to get one included. These caveats aside, once I got the pillow adjusted to where I wanted it, I was able to fall asleep. It was nice and firm without being too stiff, and I woke up feeling refreshed despite having spent the past hour on a bus.
