FAA Nationwide Flight Grounding: What You Need to Know

What happened 

On Friday afternoon, November 13, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stopped departing flights at airports across the United States. The FAA said it acted for safety reasons after a communications outage affected the air traffic control centers that guide planes between airports. 

Here is what we know so far: 

• Flights in the air were allowed to continue and land. 
• Flights on the ground were held from taking off. 
• International flights headed to the U.S. are being handled case by case. 
• Thousands of flights have been delayed or canceled nationwide. 
• The cause is still under investigation. Officials say there is no sign of an attack. 
• Flights will resume gradually as air traffic systems recover. Delays and cancellations may continue for some time. 
• Unaffected areas: Certain U.S. territories (e.g., Alaska, Hawaii) were not subject to the stop, and non-U.S. mainland flights from Hawaii were also unaffected. 

What to do if your travel is affected 

1. Check your flight status. Use your airline’s app or website before going to the airport. Schedules may keep changing as flights resume. 
2. Ask your airline about your options. Many airlines are offering travel waivers, which may let you change your flight without a fee. If your flight is canceled, ask about rebooking or a refund. 
3. Manage your policy in MyAccount. Log in to MyAccount or download the MyAccount mobile app to: 
   • View and download your policy documents, including your ID card and plan details. 
   • Review your benefits, such as Trip Delay, Missed Connection, or Trip Interruption, if your plan includes them. 
   • Cancel your policy if your trip is canceled. Refund eligibility depends on your plan and whether your coverage has started. 
   • Extend your coverage if a delay will keep you in the U.S. past your policy end date. 
   Download the MyAccount Mobile App: App Store or Google Play 
4. Save your records. Keep delay and cancellation notices, receipts for meals, hotels, and transportation, and any new booking confirmations. You may need them for an insurance claim. 
5. File a claim with your insurance company. Claims are handled by the insurance company that issued your plan. You can find their contact information in your policy documents in MyAccount. 

Will a New Travel Insurance Plan Cover the FAA Grounding? 

Insurance generally does not cover events that are already known when a policy is purchased. A plan bought now is unlikely to cover delays or cancellations caused by this grounding. A new plan can still protect you against other covered events during your trip.