Originally Posted by
l'etoile
It's changing on a daily basis. For example, I believe, Chicago Center had good staffing the first two days, but not today (I think it's Chicago Center). A high-altitude North Atlantic oceanic sector was closed one day so far, but open the next. Today some routes to the Caribbean will be closed though there was staffing to have them open previous days. Staffing is not constant at any given facility so the delays will not be that predictable. It's also not just an issue of airports, but center staffing that could lead to planes needing to be further in trail.
Well, that seems odd -- but of course this whole thing is odd. I mean, this isn't like a sick-out: while they're reducing staffing, they should be able to spread the people around in a consistent way.
My guess is that, somehow, this is all resolved in the next 2 weeks or so. Either the FAA will "figure out" how to adjust to the lower staffing, or the politicians will intervene. While only a small percentage of the American public flies regularly, it's the "opinion leaders" and decision makers who fly all the time. If delays mount, Congress and the White House will figure out some sort of stop-gap solution to this self-inflicted wound. In the meantime, I hope I make my connection on Friday.
