Upcoming trip to check on elderly parents, flight questions

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New update just now from DOT:

"air traffic in 40 key markets would be reduced by 10 percent by Friday if there was no resolution to the government shutdown before then...The F.A.A. is expected to announce what areas will be affected on Thursday."

That’s the doom event that I was referring to. Bah!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone. I’m a native of Detroit and have flown frequently there … under normal conditions. We are not living with normal conditions. The “doom” threat has increased. Even if the shutdown ends this week(end), I suspect things will be topsy-turvy for a bit. Grrr. I guess I’ll need to see what the situation is Monday and try to read the tea leaves then.

OMG it is not ending this week what do you not understand.

Johnson is not reopeing the government til he is dam sure Epstein files can not be opened! And no way is he opeing before 2026

I agree re: duration of shutdown . That’s why seeing where things are on Monday. I may land up driving. Not so bad for one round trip but it would be two in a week. Planned to drive parent down for weekend then drive back and fly back home. Sigh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where are you flying to/from? That info should guide the responses/guidance.

Practically speaking, there is no magic 8 ball. You either wait patiently (if you run into issues) or you take control of your destiny and plan to drive.

I’m flying later this week because my destination is too far to drive. Hopefully my flights will be fine.

10h drive to Michigan. I’ve done it for years but this supposed to be a quick back and forth trip. Not keen on driving that long and driving back two days later on my own.

If flying say Delta to Detroit, I'd feel good about that, they have a ton of flights every day between DC and Detroit. If going to a smaller airport with fewer options, or flying Southwest with only 2 flights a day out BWI, I'd be a bit more worried.

But yeah most flights have been fine, for now.

I’m going IAD-DTW on delta. I’m really debating whether to get an underseat carryon. I think that’s a good idea. I’m cleaning out some house stuff so I need extra clothes to change into. I’m a good packer so I’m not concerned that. The thought of my bag beinf checked at the gate then airport limbo for days (I mean who knows) is annoying. Especially if limbo is DTW. I need to get back here for my immediate family (issues here which is why my stay in Detroit is short).

Getting checked at the gate isn't the issue. If so, that's fine since it will go under the plane you get on. The issue is with a bag you check when you get to the airport. Then something happens to your flight, you shift to another one, and your bag gets lost in the shuffle. That's the real substantive risk. If you have a carry-on size roller you will have with you until the moment you board, you should be fine even if you have to check it.

But I would upgrade to regular economy if you bought a basic economy ticket so you don't board last.

And flights like IAD-DTW are unlikely to be significantly cut, at least some of them will go almost certainly.