American, Southwest airlines prepare for flight reductions

• Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay, and staffing shortages have already been causing flight delays and cancellations.

Zoom in: Fort Worth-based American Airlines and Dallas-based Southwest Airlines both said the "vast majority" of their flights won't be affected.

• The airlines will contact customers whose flights have been canceled or changed.
• American Airlines is waiving change fees for travelers whose flights are canceled or who decide not to fly. The airline will offer full refunds for cancellations.
• Southwest Airlines is offering free ticket changes or full refunds to travelers who are booked through Nov. 12.

Friction point: The holidays are coming. Thanksgiving is in less than three weeks.

• Last holiday season set travel records. More than 3.1 million travelers passed through DFW Airport during Thanksgiving week, which ended in gridlock.

What they're saying: "We remain grateful to the air traffic controllers, TSA officers, CBP officers and other federal employees who are working right now without pay — all to get our customers where they need to be safely," American Airlines said in a message to customers late Wednesday.

If you go: Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.

• Allow extra time to get to either Love Field or DFW because nearby roadways are under construction at both airports.
• You can check wait times at DFW Airport security lines online.

What they're doing: Dallas Love Field says more than 300 federal workers at the airport are affected by the government shutdown.

• The airport is collecting nonperishable food, hygiene products and other items until 8pm Friday to help the workers.