Thanksgiving Travel: Allegiant Air Sounds Alarm as FAA Cuts Flights 10% Amid Ongoing Shutdown (Nov. 7, 2025)

• FAA begins reducing U.S. air traffic by up to 10% at 40 high‑volume airports starting Friday, Nov. 7, to maintain safety during the prolonged federal government shutdown. 1
• Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport is on the list, with officials warning of delays and cancellations as schedules are pared back. 2
• Allegiant Air says the shutdown hasn’t hit bookings yet, but executives warn a Thanksgiving‑week disruption would be a “huge problem” for the industry if the stalemate persists. 3
• On Thursday, Nov. 6, before the cuts took effect, FlightAware tallied 229 delays and 2 cancellations at Harry Reid, with 38 Friday flights already canceled—most of them on Southwest. 2

What’s new today (Nov. 7, 2025)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is implementing a plan to cut scheduled traffic by up to 10% across 40 “high‑volume” markets beginning Friday morning, part of a safety‑first response to unpaid and increasingly fatigued air traffic controllers during the record‑long shutdown. Airlines are trimming schedules and advising travelers to watch for changes. 1

In Las Vegas, officials confirmed Harry Reid International Airport is among the airports subject to the cuts. As of Thursday evening, 38 Friday flights had already been canceled, and more day‑of adjustments are possible as the reductions roll out. Travelers were urged to check directly with their airlines and arrive early. 2

Allegiant Air’s message: “We’ll cope—unless this reaches Thanksgiving”

Allegiant Air, which focuses on point‑to‑point flying from smaller airports, said this week it has not seen a meaningful impact on demand—yet. But President Robert “BJ” Neal cautioned that if the shutdown stretches into Thanksgiving, it could become “a huge problem” for the entire industry, urging Congress to resolve the impasse. 3

Allegiant also highlighted operational strength in Q3 despite a difficult environment: 33,000 departures, 4.6 million passengers, and a 99.9% controllable completion factor—metrics that give it some cushion if disruptions mount. The carrier is transitioning from Airbus jets to Boeing 737s (targeting 16 737s by year‑end and a fleet of 123), and it sold Florida’s Sunseeker Resort for $200 million to sharpen its focus on the core airline. 3

Financially, Allegiant Travel Co. reported a Q3 2025 GAAP net loss of $43.6 million on $561.9 million in revenue, while telling investors holiday demand is “shaping up nicely” with expectations for a double‑digit Q4 operating margin. 4

Why this matters for Thanksgiving flyers

The FAA’s reductions land just three weeks before Thanksgiving, historically one of the busiest U.S. travel periods. Even if your departure airport isn’t on the list, ripple effects from affected hubs can cascade through the network, leading to missed connections, longer queues and day‑of schedule tweaks. In Las Vegas specifically, the cutbacks arrive between major visitor draws—the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (Nov. 20–22) and the early December National Finals Rodeo—compounding the stakes for on‑time operations. 2

The latest numbers and timeline

• Day 38 of the shutdown (Friday, Nov. 7): FAA begins traffic reductions across 40 markets. 2
• Harry Reid Int’l (LAS): On Thursday (Nov. 6) saw 229 delays, 2 cancellations; 38 Friday flights canceled as of early evening, ahead of the FAA plan taking effect. 2
• Industry posture: Major airlines are adjusting schedules and prioritizing network integrity while warning of potentially longer security lines and delays if staffing constraints persist. 1

What to do if you’re flying Allegiant (or connecting through LAS)

1. Confirm your itinerary repeatedly. Use your airline’s app or SMS alerts and re‑check the night before and morning of travel. Schedule “smoothing” and rolling cancellations can appear with short notice. 1
2. Know your refund rights. If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you don’t accept the alternative, you’re entitled to a refund (cash back to the original form of payment)—rules the U.S. Department of Transportation strengthened last year. 5
3. Build extra airport time. With controller and TSA staffing stretched, lines can fluctuate. Arrive earlier than usual, especially for morning peaks. 1
4. If you must rebook, move fast. Seats during the pre‑Thanksgiving window are tight; grab the first workable option your carrier offers, then fine‑tune later if inventory opens. 6

Context: What Allegiant has said this week

On an investor call, Allegiant executives emphasized that while their smaller‑airport footprint has insulated them somewhat so far, a prolonged shutdown—particularly one that collides with Thanksgiving week—could meaningfully pressure operations and bookings. The airline kept its bullish near‑term margin outlook, supported by fleet upgrades and a leaner balance sheet after divesting Sunseeker Resort. 3

Looking ahead

If the shutdown ends swiftly, the FAA’s temporary reductions could be lifted and airlines would start back‑filling schedules; if not, phased cuts up to 10% at key airports will likely persist into next week, keeping pressure on crews and travelers alike. Either way, Allegiant’s message is clear: the next two weeks are pivotal for keeping Thanksgiving trips on track. 1

Sources & further reading

• Las Vegas Review‑Journal: Allegiant’s warning and LAS airport impact, Nov. 4–6, 2025. 3
• AP News: FAA to reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 markets starting Nov. 7. 1
• United/industry responses and travel guidance roundups. 6
• Allegiant Q3 2025 results (AP snapshot). 4