A nationwide air traffic ground stop ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that began on Friday afternoon, November 13, 2026, lasted about 4 fours before being lifted at around 8:15 ET Friday evening.
Federal officials blame aging technology for the problem that canceled thousands of flights and now leaves thousands of passengers stranded in airports around the country as airlines try to reboot.
More than 15,000 US flights were either delayed or canceled on Friday, and as of 6 a.m. Saturday, Flightaware is reporting more than 3300 cancellations within, into, or out of the United States today: and more than 1,000 flight delays.
See all delays.
If your flight was canceled or severely delayed you have some rights, but not many.
If your flight is canceled and you decide not to travel and not to accept (or wait around for) and alternative flight you are entitled to a full refund for that portion of your trip. Don’t accept a voucher. That applies whether or not the reason is weather, or in this case, an air traffic control mess.
Otherwise, because this is a situation that falls outside of the responsibility airlines, you’re unlikely to get much of anything else from your airline.
Airports and airlines are doing their best to get everything back in order, but it is going to take days before many people make it to their destination.
Here are links to the flexible travel policies, flight waivers and statements airlines have posted.
If you’re stuck at the airport, here are a few reminders:
*Try to keep your cool, especially with airport and airline staff and other passengers.
* If you’re destination is a few hundred miles away, consider renting a car (perhaps with other passengers heading that way).
*If you’ve booked with a credit card, check to see if you have travel delay or cancellation insurance. While this may not be a covered event, keep all your receipts for meals, Ubers, hotels etc. and file a claim just in case.
*If you are spending extended time at the airport, stock up on some food and water as shops and restaurants may have limited supplies.
Many airports extended operating hours for restaurants and concessions Friday evening to accomodate stranded travelers, but even though flights are once again taking off, restocking for the weekend may take a while. If you’re heading to the airport today, bring your own snacks.
We’ll try to post updates, but keep and eye on the news, but if you’re flying – or trying to fly somewhere – keep and eye on the airline websites and try to be as flexible as you can.
