11.06.25 – DOT Secretary Orders Reduction in Air Travel Capacity to Begin Tomorrow

DOT Secretary Orders Reduction in Air Travel Capacity to Begin Tomorrow

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Yesterday, DOT Secretary Duffy ordered a reduction in flight capacity at 40 major airports beginning tomorrow, with further cuts expected in the coming days if the government shutdown continues. Flight reductions are expected to be gradual, beginning with a 4% domestic flight reduction tomorrow, and continuing into the weekend and next week. As of this writing, international flights are not affected.

Currently, 1.4 million Federal Workers, including TSA Officers, represented by AFGE, and Air Traffic Controllers, represented by NATCA, are coming to work without pay.

Commuter Policy- CBA 37.I

If you commute, be familiar with our contractual Commuter Policy if your flight is canceled and you are unable to make it to work. The Commuter Policy was improved in the 2024 CBA to include:

• Expanded the First Flight qualifiers to include Sufficient Seats (load factor less than 90%) within 24 hours prior to departure.
• Flight Attendant must submit documentation of sufficient seats and their presence at the gate for standby processing (e.g., Jetnet screen shot, monitor snapshot, boarding pass).
• Other airlines (OAL) are now a qualifying commuting option as American Airlines and wholly owned carriers are today.
  • In lieu of OAL load factor consideration, an OAL commuter will just need to provide a picture/screenshot that you listed 24 hours in advance (e.g. UAL). For same-day/at-gate listing (e.g. DL, SWA), you would provide your documentation of listing.

Are You Being Rescheduled?

Reschedules will occur if the reductions in flight capacity take effect tomorrow. Relevant contractual language may be found in the CBA — Section 10.J(Rescheduling), Section 11 (Hours of Service), and Section 6 (Crew Accommodations).

The mobile-friendly ‘On the Job’ tab on the landing page of the APFA website contains links to help answer time-sensitive questions when you’re out flying, including information on rescheduling, pay protection, calculating your legalities, deadheading, and more:

More information on rescheduling may be found in the recent Rescheduling Reminders hotline here.

Need Help?The APFA Contract and Scheduling desk is available by phone Monday through Friday from 0900 to 1700 (CT) by calling 817-540-0108.

APFA Live Messaging is available on APFA.org  Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays from 0900 to 1700 (CT).

Should you have issues with hotel accommodations or transportation, we want to remind Flight Attendants of the newly implemented ability to contact hotel/limo using ECS as opposed to calling. Flight Attendants may use ECS to request a hotel room, transportation, or to report a more complicated issue and request a call-back for help. Please refer to the July 24, 2025 APFA Hotline for more information.