Fliers scramble as cuts begin; pain will grow
Los Angeles Times
|November 08, 2025
Cancellations to rise as shutdown persists. Nation's controllers are taking side jobs.
MARSHA TAULTON, right, waits for a flight home to Houston at LAX on Friday. Passengers were warned that flights could be canceled with little notice.
Christina House Los Angeles Times
Travelers got their first taste of what is expected to be worsening cuts in commercial air traffic due to the government shutdown, bringing delays, anxiety and confusion to airports across the nation.
By some measures, the level of chaos was less than some feared, but government officials warned that flight cancellations are set to increase over the next few days.
According to an emergency order released by the Trump administration, airlines had to cut flights by 4% on Friday and then ramp up to 6% by Tuesday, 8% by Thursday and 10% by Nov. 14. The administration said that number could rise to 20% if the shutdown continues.
Lauren Chavez had scrolled through horror story after horror story on TikTok about the government shutdown leading to long delays and cancellations at U.S. airports, with people camping out in terminals for hours.
Out of an abundance of caution, the 28-year-old had arrived at Los Angeles International Airport — her fiance and 4-year-old daughter in tow — six hours early for their 3:55 p.m. Southwest flight back home to Albuquerque.
But all was relatively quiet Friday as she sat cross-legged in bustling Terminal 1 after a few days at Disneyland and California Adventure.
Besides a few flights delayed by 30 minutes to an hour, most appeared to be running on schedule.
"We anticipated long TSA lines," Chavez said as her daughter clambered into her lap, watching a video on her mom's phone, as people checked in for flights around them.
Since the government announced this week it would be requiring airlines to reduce the number of flights to minimize risk during the government shutdown, travelers have been bracing for significant disruptions.
Dit verhaal komt uit de November 08, 2025-editie van Los Angeles Times.
Abonneer u op Magzter GOLD voor toegang tot duizenden zorgvuldig samengestelde premiumverhalen en meer dan 9000 tijdschriften en kranten.
Bent u al abonnee? Aanmelden
MEER VERHALEN VAN Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
Winter rains fall, and so do the records
Another major storm is forecast, bringing threats of more flooding and slides.
5 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
As billionaires, will the Beyoncés and the Taylor Swifts stand up to tyranny?
The reluctance of the 1% to protect democracy has left many of us feeling hopeless
3 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Back from the dead, a legacy paper adopts startup mindset
It’s a rare, hopeful reversal for Santa Barbara. New editor calls it 'greatest role.'
3 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Why Japandi Is the Style Everyone Wants in 2026
For 2026, interior design is shifting from pure aesthetics to emotional well-being.
1 min
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Parting words of wisdom from the legendary investor Buffett
The advice that legendary investor Warren Buffett offered on investing and life over the years helped earn him legions of followers who eagerly read his annual letters and filled an arena in Omaha every year to listen to him at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meetings.
2 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Grandmother, boy killed in Gaza tent fire
A grandmother and her 5-year-old grandson burned to death in Gaza when their tent caught fire, as thousands of Palestinians battle harrowing winter conditions in flimsy makeshift housing and the humanitarian crisis persists.
3 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
UCLA’s Chesney rounds out his coaching staff
Bob Chesney's initial UCLA football staff is going to have a familiar feel to anyone who follows James Madison.
3 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Faith leaders gird for year of tougher immigration issues
They offer support to anxious migrants who fear president’s wrath in their communities.
5 mins
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
‘Stranger Things’ series finale pulls estimated $25 million at box office
The finale of Netflix’s blockbuster series “Stranger Things” gave movie theaters a much needed jolt, generating an estimated $20 to $25 million at the box office, according to multiple reports.
1 min
January 03, 2026
Los Angeles Times
What we get from newspapers
Re “As newspapers fade, a useful physical object disappears too,” Dec. 29
4 mins
January 03, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size