- Mr Plane Guy
- Nov 8
- 5 min read
Flights Cancelled Due to the U.S. Government Shutdown, What It Means for European Travellers
Pack your patience, that’s the phrase every traveller needs to hear this week.With the U.S. government shutdown now approaching its 40th day, more than 1,000 flights have been cancelled and over 5,000 delayed across America. The FAA has ordered a 4% cut to daily flights at 40 of the country’s busiest airports, including New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta ATL, and LAX and warns that could rise to 15 – 20% if the shutdown continues.
Will It Affect Transatlantic Flights?
Unfortunately, yes, though not as severely as domestic U.S. routes.With crews and aircraft stranded in the wrong places, flights between Europe and the U.S. are already seeing knock-on delays.
Expect:
Late departures from major European hubs (London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris CDG).
Longer immigration and customs queues in the U.S. because of staff shortages.
Occasional cancellations where aircraft or crews can’t reposition in time.
If you’re flying between the UK / Europe and the U.S. this week, especially via New York, Boston, or Washington D.C. allow extra time, stay flexible, and monitor your flight closely.
From a Former Flight Delay Manager: What You Can Do
Before blogging full-time, I worked in airport delay management at a London airport, so trust me, this is Plane Normal chaos. Even on a good day, only about 70% of flights leave on time. Here’s how to handle it like a pro:
Check Your Flight Status, Constantly
Use your airline app, FlightRadar24, or the FAA’s tracker.
Plane Tip: Turn on text or app notifications for real-time updates.
If your flight is cancelled, you’re entitled to either:
A full refund, or
Rebooking on the next available flight.
Know Your Rights
Under UK261 / EU261, passengers may be entitled to compensation for long delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.However, a government shutdown can count as an “extraordinary circumstance” meaning compensation isn’t automatic. Still, always check, since many delays end up caused by airline operational issues rather than the shutdown itself. Check if you can make a claim here
What is AirHelp
That’s where AirHelp comes in.They’ve helped over 2.5 million travellers claim compensation for delays, cancellations, and missed connections.
Plane Tip: Sign up for AirHelp+ with code AHTPO9 to save 9% it even includes airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.
Plane Smart Survival Kit for Delayed Travellers
Being prepared is half the battle. Here’s what I always pack:
Portable charger + cables: keep devices alive, I use this Anker Power Bank on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: refill post-security and avoid £5 airport bottles.
Snacks & activities: protein bars, downloaded Netflix shows, podcasts.
Airport lounge access: a quiet space with Wi-Fi and coffee can turn a delay into downtime.
Get 30 % off a Priority Pass membership →Access 1,700+ lounges worldwide from £48 a year, it pays for itself after just two trips.
Search & Compare Flights
If your flight’s cancelled and you need a new route, use my Skyscanner search tool below to compare real-time fares from Europe to the U.S.It’s the fastest way to find last-minute transatlantic options while the shutdown continues.
This blog runs on caffeine and affiliate clicks, find your next flight below and keep me flying high!
Final Boarding Call
Until the U.S. government approves a new budget, expect delays, cancellations, and longer queues.Air Traffic Control, TSA, and customs teams are stretched thin, so, as I always say, pack your patience along with your luggage.
Stay calm, stay flexible, and remember: if your flight is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled altogether, you could be owed up to £520 in compensation.
What is Air Help Plus?
Plane Tip: Sign up for AirHelp+ with code AHTPO9 to save 9% it even includes airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.
Air Help offer a disruption insurance, after all delays are inevitable!They have two levels of cover starting at just £2.92 per month!
Smart
Perfect for up to 3 trips per year
Perfect for most travellers
Protection for 3 trips
€100 when your flight’s disrupted
€100 for a lost or delayed bag
Lounge access during a disruption
Annual support
No-fee compensation service
Dedicated 24/7 support
Flight status updates
Travel perks
Save on eSIMs, car rental, and more
Pro
For up to 9 trips per year, so great if you're a frequent flyer
Protection for 9 trips
€100 when your flight’s disrupted
€100 for a lost or delayed bag
Lounge access during a disruption
Annual support
No-fee compensation service
Dedicated 24/7 support
Flight status updates
Travel perks
Save on eSIMs, car rental, and more
Great value check it out here
Sign up for AirHelp+ with code AHTPO9 to save 9% it even includes airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.
Plane Related reads:
Why Are So Many British Airways Flights Being Delayed and Cancelled?
Manchester Airport: The Worst in the UK for Flight Delays, Here’s What You Can Do
How I Turned My £34 Worth of Tesco Clubcard Points into a Flight from London to New York
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy A350 Review: Has Virgin Premium Lost Its Sparkle?
My New Favourite Way to Cross the Atlantic: Flying JetBlue to New York
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Flights Cancelled Due to the U.S. Government Shutdown,What It Means for European Travellers.
Plane Extras
The PLANE Smart Way to Take Off
Here are my go-to travel extras that help keep this blog (and me) airborne.
🅿️ Airport Parking Compare prices and save up to 75 % at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and more with Compare Parking Prices UK →
🍸 Lounge Access Why wait at the gate when you could sip a pre-flight prosecco?
Get 30 % off a Priority Pass membership → and access 1 ,700+ lounges worldwide.
🌍Travel Insurance Don’t fly without cover. Coverwise (by AXA) offers annual European cover from £10.20, including medical consultations and pre-existing conditions.
🎒 Plane Essentials My must-pack travel gear, from cabin-size backpacks to neck pillows that actually work. Shop my curated Amazon Storefront →
📱Stay Connected Avoid roaming shock. Arlo eSIMs → give you instant data in 180+ destinations, no SIM swap required.
💳 Boost Your Avios Earn faster and fly farther with my Amex Gold referral → or track reward seats via Reward Flight Finder →.
Comments