'The Points Guy' offers advice to those affected by FAA ground stop

'Everybody for themselves': The Points Guy offers advice to those affected by FAA ground stop Updated: 11:39 PM EST Nov 13, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Matt Peaslee Copy Editor 'Everybody for themselves': The Points Guy offers advice to those affected by FAA ground stop Updated: 11:39 PM EST Nov 13, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Matt Peaslee Copy Editor Brian Kelly, founder of ThePointsGuy.com, has offered his tips and advice to travelers for nearly two decades. His expertise has helped people save time and money while handling stressful travel moments with ease.

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One such situation came up Friday afternoon with the Federal Aviation Administration's ground stop affecting airports nationwide. Thousands of flights and potentially more than a million travelers were affected from coast to coast.

Many were stranded in airports, and some travelers decided against traveling altogether with so much uncertainty in the air.

So many decisions need to be made in a short amount of time and Kelly offered his advice on how to handle this unprecedented event. He has empathy for those who are in a tough position — physically, mentally and financially.

"My thoughts and prayers are with you," Kelly said in an interview Friday with Hearst Television Washington Correspondent Rachel Hirschheimer. "Let this be a reminder that we all need to be proactive. For anyone who doesn't have to travel, call it quits. Take your refund. Airlines do owe you a refund if you decide to cancel. Do not let them give you a voucher. By law, they have to give you a refund if you choose not to take the flight they try to re-accommodate you on."

Kelly said the only thing an airline owes a stranded passenger is a refund if you choose not to get re-accommodated. Other unexpected inconveniences are not their obligation. Purchasing travel insurance in advance is one way to avoid a future headache, he said.

Video below: Airports work to catch up after hourslong ground stop "Unfortunately, because this is out of their control, they don't owe you any food vouchers or hotel," Kelly said. "Simply put, a situation like this is 'The Hunger Games.' You need to look out for yourself. For those who purchase travel insurance, travel insurance should cover all costs related to this. Travel credit cards may cover some of this; otherwise, it's everybody for themselves. I recommend people act quickly because hotels will get snatched up. I know people are driving instead of flying. You've got to be on the offense here."

Dubbed "The Man Who Turned Credit-Card Points Into an Empire" by The New York Times, Kelly said some credit cards may make a difficult situation like this a little easier, but there are no guarantees.

"If you booked your flight using a credit card that has trip-delay cancellation coverage, generally, an airline cancellation policy would kick in benefits of maybe up to $500 per person to get a hotel or rental car. However, there are exclusions; some credit cards will exclude FAA mass shutdowns," he said. "My best tip is to keep all your receipts. Submit them to your credit card company. Let them decide. Don't try to read the policy and see if you're eligible. Submit it all. Let them decide and hope for the best."

Trump administration blames 'overloaded' systems for ground stop after FAA lets flights resume Kelly said to regularly check FAA.gov for updates and download the phone application of the airline. By checking the website and looking up future flights, there is a better chance of finding a potential new flight that could work for a traveler's schedule, as people will be canceling their own flights and seats may open up.

For in-person communication, kindness is key. Focus on making this easier for those who are also in a tough position — especially the workers who are not at fault. Airport workers are generally working hard to create a comfortable atmosphere for those who are in an uncomfortable position. Residual effects from the airport slowdowns will be felt in other sectors of the travel industry — from hotels to concert venues, sports contests and other special events. Many times, tickets and hotel bookings are non-refundable, even in dire situations.

"If you're canceled flight means youre going to miss out on a non-refundable hotel, your best bet is to ask nicely for the hotel to cancel. Some hotels may take pity on you, but understand, it is not their (responsibility)," Kelly said. "They do not owe you a refund. When you're asking for a favor, you should not yell at people. This is where people make mistakes all the time. Your unfortunate flight cancelation is not the problem of a small hotel owner where you are trying to go. This is where you want to be very nice. 'Hey, can I come back again? Can you cancel?' Do not demand it. Frankly, they do not owe it to you."

Travel insurance may make an already expensive vacation cost even more, but Kelly said it will likely be worth it in the end. From his personal experience, it is crucial to get the insurance.

"This is where travel insurance is critical," Kelly said. "I buy a yearly travel insurance policy, even as a travel expert. With these mass travel cancellations happening quite frequently, having travel insurance is key, especially for big-ticket trips like cruises and international trips."

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Even as the FAA lifted the ground stop in the 8 p.m. hour Friday night, it will still take a while to get everything back on track. Kelly said it will take weeks for schedules to be back to normal.

"You've got to buckle up," he said. "There's going to be delays. You need to go into this with an attitude of patience. It's going to be a while before airlines are back up and running — easily into next week. You may not be getting out tomorrow, I hate to tell people."

Those who were canceled throughout the afternoon and evening on Friday will not get priority over those who already had travel plans for Saturday.

"If you were on a flight canceled on a Friday, passengers who had booked on Saturday will go out before you," Kelly said. "Airlines don't do it in order of who was supposed to go out first. It's whoever was supposed to be on the flight that's going out. If your flight was rescheduled, it doesn't necessarily mean you're the next passenger to go out. People whose flights were supposed to go out (Friday night), you may not go out until Monday."

As frustrating an experience as this all may be, Kelly again reminds travelers to move forward with peace in their minds and kindness in their hearts.

Of course, that's easier said than done.

Just remember: "It is pointless to yell at airport employees," Kelly said.

What are your options, rights after Friday's FAA ground stop?

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