American Airlines announces cuts, impacting hundreds of flights out of Pittsburgh this fall

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — American Airlines announced it’s reducing its flight schedule this holiday season by cutting almost a third of its outgoing flights this November out of Pittsburgh.

Some passengers are really disappointed.

“I do a lot of traveling during the holidays. I do a lot of flying around. I fly American. I look forward to the convenience of American, so I think it’s really going to be a shock,” said Jasmine Cooper, who flies American Airlines.

Many travelers are worried this will impact their holiday travel plans.

“It’s really unfortunate during the holiday season because we have been in this whole pandemic so long and people are ready to see their families and they may not be able to see their families which is even more frustrating,” said Keesha Sheffey.

The cuts affect more than 300 flights, including the flights from here to Philadelphia and the New York city routes to JFK and La Guardia. The direct flight to Phoenix is also impacted.

Now, experts are urging people to book their holiday trips sooner rather than later.

“I usually visit my family in Alabama over the holidays and that’s not a fun drive so a flight would be more convenient so knowing I won’t have the opportunity or it would be limited that’s disappointing to me,” said Letese Lamb.

It’s already been a rocky summer for airlines dealing with crew and pilot shortages, reduced flight schedules and a record surge in travelers.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said the company is taking proactive steps to build an additional buffer into the schedule for the remainder of the year.

“I do understand the economy and making adjustments but I need to get where I need to get. So, it’s a little frustrating,” Cooper said.

The Department of Transportation is proposing new guidelines for travelers hit with flight delays, including allowing passengers a refund if an airline changes their departure or arrival time by at least three hours for a domestic flight.

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