LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Travelers at Harry Reid International Airport were bracing for the worst on Thursday, as many prepare for upcoming flight reductions across the country.
“I’m more than a little concerned for sure,” traveler Angelo Mastrio said.
Las Vegas’ Reid International Airport likely to be on flight reduction list; Delta, Southwest, American react to FAA order
8 News Now spoke with some people the day before the Federal Aviation Administration instructed significant flight cuts to begin in cities across the United States.
“It’s one of those things that just stays in your mind,” traveler Patty Lecama said. “Especially with everything going on right now.”
The FAA announced the cuts will start at 40 major airports, including Harry Reid International, starting Friday.
Airlines are scheduled to begin with a 4% decrease that could jump to 10% next week.
“We are starting to see some evidence that fatigue is building in the system,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said during a news conference. “In ways that we feel we need to work towards relieving some of that pressure.”
Bedford admitted the main reason for the change is safety, as air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the shutdown started on October 1, deal with severe staffing shortages.
Flyers told 8 News Now they hope not to see significant problems, but many already have contingency plans.
“We already talked about it,” traveler Jessica Alexander said. “We will try to get as close as we can to home and drive if we need to.”
“Try to show up a little earlier than usual,” Lecama said. “Because there are a lot of last-minute things going on right now.”
This comes as they deal with uncertainty that is out of their control
“I travel every week, sometimes it’s regional, sometimes it’s cross-country or international,” Mastrio said. “So we will see what happens.”
Southwest Airlines, which operates the most flights at Reid Airport, announced they cancelled 120 flights on Friday.
Delta and American Airlines also released statements that they hope to see minimal disruptions, adding that they will reach out to anyone affected and rebook or provide refunds without penalties.
