Last night, at about 10 p.m. Eastern, I got the message no traveler wants to see: My flight was canceled. I was supposed to fly from Evansville, Indiana (EVV) to Orlando (MCO) tonight on Breeze Airways — a trip I’ve made dozens of times. But with the FAA ordering mass flight cancelations across the country due to staffing issues and ripple effects from the government shutdown, my plans changed fast.

According to reports from NBC News, the FAA has grounded or delayed thousands of flights nationwide as they scramble to manage critical air traffic control shortages. Some airports have seen cancellations rise by more than 40% compared to an average Friday, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner — traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year — this is starting to look like a major travel crisis in the making.

When Breeze notified me, they gave two options: a full refund or a rescheduled flight for Monday, November 10. I chose the refund. My credit card charge was reversed, and my Breeze points were credited back to my account almost immediately. I debated rebooking on another airline for Saturday, but honestly, there was too much uncertainty. Would that flight be canceled too? What about my return flight on November 23 — the Sunday before Thanksgiving — one of the busiest travel days of the entire year? If the FAA-ordered cancelations kept spreading, I didn’t want to risk being stranded.

So, I decided to drive. It’s about 900 miles from southern Indiana to Orlando — a trip I’ve made many times, though I’ll admit it’s usually cheaper and faster to fly. But this time, the decision came down to control. I know I can get there. I need to be in Florida by midday Sunday for work, and driving gives me that guarantee.

If you’re facing a similar situation — maybe with a Disney World trip on the horizon — here’s my best advice:

• Weigh your options carefully. Some travelers can be rebooked right away, but remember your return flight may also be affected.
• If you decide to drive, think of it as an unexpected adventure. A road trip can be part of the fun if you frame it that way for your family.
• If you cancel, contact your airline before doing anything. Depending on the fare type and the airline’s policies, you might be eligible for a refund or a travel credit.

Travel often comes with unplanned obstacles, and honestly, I think that’s part of what makes it meaningful. Every curveball teaches flexibility and patience. You troubleshoot, you adapt, and you move forward.

What To Do If the FAA Cancels Your Flight

Why are flights being canceled right now?

The FAA has temporarily limited flight operations due to critical air traffic control staffing shortages, a ripple effect of the ongoing government shutdown. Airlines are being forced to cancel or delay flights nationwide to comply with FAA safety requirements.

Can I get a refund if my flight was canceled by the FAA?

In most cases, yes. If your flight is canceled by the airline (not by you), you’re entitled to a full refund — even for nonrefundable tickets. If you paid with points or miles, those should be returned to your account automatically.

Should I rebook or cancel?

If you have flexibility in your schedule, rebooking might be worth it. But if you must travel soon — or if your destination is within a day’s drive — driving may be a more reliable option. Just check weather and traffic before you go.

Will this affect Thanksgiving travel?

Most likely, yes. Industry experts are warning that if staffing and scheduling issues continue, the week of Thanksgiving could bring even more delays and cancellations. If you’re traveling for the holiday, consider booking early-morning flights, packing patience, and having a backup plan.

At the end of this drive — or the end of your rescheduled flight — you’re still heading to Disney World. And that’s pretty awesome. Keep following us here at DFB for the latest travel news.

Have you been affected by flight cancelations today? Let us know in the comments.