Airlines tell passengers to prepare for delays as government shutdown continues

Core Points - Travelers should prepare for potential flight disruptions due to ongoing government shutdown affecting air traffic control staffing [1][2] - Airlines for America indicated that while it is safe to fly, staffing shortages are causing delays and cancellations [2] - Bad weather is also expected to impact travel, with flood watches issued for several regions [2] Industry Impact - Air traffic controller absences have increased as the shutdown continues, affecting the efficiency of air travel [4] - Delta Airlines has not yet experienced significant operational impacts but warns that the situation could change if the shutdown persists [5] - Approximately 3,700 flights were delayed recently, which is below the average daily rate of about 4,100 for U.S. airlines this year [5]