William J. McGee
@wjm-air.bsky.social
Senior Fellow Aviation & Travel @ American Economic Liberties Project. Journalist. Teacher. FAA-licensed aircraft dispatcher. Author: ATTENTION ALL PASSENGERS; HALF THE CHILD. Fighting for blue skies--literally. Stickler for using "literally" correctly.
Pinned
William J. McGee
@wjm-air.bsky.social
· Mar 16
Many thx to my colleague & friend @celestepewter.bsky.social for lots of new followers! I have other lives as a novelist, journalist, & teacher. But this page is mostly about fixing airline passenger rights, safety, & competition. I'm the guy outnumbered 5-1 by airline execs at hearings in Congress.
And let's not forget the WSJ noted the second fatal Boeing 737 MAX crash was caused--in part--by the second-longest government shutdown, the 35 days in Dec 2018-Jan 2019 under Trump when the FAA was unable to properly oversee Boeing's MCAS fix.
www.wsj.com/articles/boe...
www.wsj.com/articles/boe...
November 13, 2025 at 9:27 PM
And let's not forget the WSJ noted the second fatal Boeing 737 MAX crash was caused--in part--by the second-longest government shutdown, the 35 days in Dec 2018-Jan 2019 under Trump when the FAA was unable to properly oversee Boeing's MCAS fix.
www.wsj.com/articles/boe...
www.wsj.com/articles/boe...
Overlooked in the shutdown/ATC/FAA flight reductions mess is that airfares are very likely to continue increasing across the board due in part to Spirit's nationwide downsizing.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/b...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/b...
Flying will stay rough after the shutdown. Why? Spirit Airlines | CNN Business
Relatively few people fly Spirit Airlines – but the company could still affect how much you pay for your holiday travel, even if recent government-mandated flight cancellations end.
www.cnn.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Overlooked in the shutdown/ATC/FAA flight reductions mess is that airfares are very likely to continue increasing across the board due in part to Spirit's nationwide downsizing.
www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/b...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/13/b...
Private jet travel is being restricted, but this covers 12 of the 40 airports that have seen flight restrictions under DOT Secretary Duffy in recent days.
www.cnbc.com/2025/11/10/g...
www.cnbc.com/2025/11/10/g...
FAA prohibits most private jets at 12 major airports amid shutdown's air traffic staffing problems
The new restrictions come less than a week after the FAA ordered commercial airlines to cut flights due to air traffic controller staffing shortfalls.
www.cnbc.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Private jet travel is being restricted, but this covers 12 of the 40 airports that have seen flight restrictions under DOT Secretary Duffy in recent days.
www.cnbc.com/2025/11/10/g...
www.cnbc.com/2025/11/10/g...
In keeping with Donald Trump's statement, Sean Duffy is now questioning controllers' patriotism and vaguely threatening action against them.
Sean Duffy threatens "action" against air traffic controllers who didn't come to work during the shutdown: "I'm concerned about their patriotism."
November 11, 2025 at 10:20 PM
In keeping with Donald Trump's statement, Sean Duffy is now questioning controllers' patriotism and vaguely threatening action against them.
Thanks to BBC for having me on to discuss the FAA flight cutting as we head toward Thanksgiving.
wetransfer.com/previews/7ee...
wetransfer.com/previews/7ee...
BBC_World_News-2025-11-07_03-02-48.mp4
1 file sent via WeTransfer, the simplest way to send your files around the world
wetransfer.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Thanks to BBC for having me on to discuss the FAA flight cutting as we head toward Thanksgiving.
wetransfer.com/previews/7ee...
wetransfer.com/previews/7ee...
My latest for @frommers.com offers advice on what to do if you're flying in coming weeks. Especially if the government shutdown--now officially the longest in US history--continues into Thanksgiving. Can you say shitshow? (Webster's says two words but I prefer one.)
www.frommers.com/tips/news/fa...
www.frommers.com/tips/news/fa...
7 Tips for Surviving the FAA Flight Reduction Crisis—Including One…
The snowballing U.S. government shutdown is forcing massive flight cancellations. Here's our guide to getting where you need to fly during the meltdown.
www.frommers.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:30 PM
My latest for @frommers.com offers advice on what to do if you're flying in coming weeks. Especially if the government shutdown--now officially the longest in US history--continues into Thanksgiving. Can you say shitshow? (Webster's says two words but I prefer one.)
www.frommers.com/tips/news/fa...
www.frommers.com/tips/news/fa...
"McGee said flight operations need time to stabilize...because today flights tend to operate near capacity, leaving fewer available seats for those needing to rebook. 'That's why we have meltdowns that last, not a couple of hours, but sometimes a week.'"
www.ipm.org/2025-11-06/h...
www.ipm.org/2025-11-06/h...
How would the government shutdown affect Thanksgiving travel? Here's what to know
Holiday travel can already be stressful. Here's how a prolonged government shutdown might make things even harder and whether you should travel at all.
www.ipm.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:22 PM
"McGee said flight operations need time to stabilize...because today flights tend to operate near capacity, leaving fewer available seats for those needing to rebook. 'That's why we have meltdowns that last, not a couple of hours, but sometimes a week.'"
www.ipm.org/2025-11-06/h...
www.ipm.org/2025-11-06/h...
Thanks to NPR:
"'Part of the issue is travel disruptions don't happen in a vacuum,' said McGee @econliberties.bsky.social. 'Instead, they often create a domino effect, impacting other flights and airports. Delays and cancellations beget delays and cancellations.'"
www.ipm.org/2025-11-06/h...
"'Part of the issue is travel disruptions don't happen in a vacuum,' said McGee @econliberties.bsky.social. 'Instead, they often create a domino effect, impacting other flights and airports. Delays and cancellations beget delays and cancellations.'"
www.ipm.org/2025-11-06/h...
How would the government shutdown affect Thanksgiving travel? Here's what to know
Holiday travel can already be stressful. Here's how a prolonged government shutdown might make things even harder and whether you should travel at all.
www.ipm.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Thanks to NPR:
"'Part of the issue is travel disruptions don't happen in a vacuum,' said McGee @econliberties.bsky.social. 'Instead, they often create a domino effect, impacting other flights and airports. Delays and cancellations beget delays and cancellations.'"
www.ipm.org/2025-11-06/h...
"'Part of the issue is travel disruptions don't happen in a vacuum,' said McGee @econliberties.bsky.social. 'Instead, they often create a domino effect, impacting other flights and airports. Delays and cancellations beget delays and cancellations.'"
www.ipm.org/2025-11-06/h...
This blog asks tough questions about DOT Secretary Duffy:
"What Duffy calls a worst-case scenario may not be what it seems. It looks less like a warning & more like a managed crisis, one that shifts the pressure away from him & onto the workforce & the public."
avbrief.com/guest-blog-d...
"What Duffy calls a worst-case scenario may not be what it seems. It looks less like a warning & more like a managed crisis, one that shifts the pressure away from him & onto the workforce & the public."
avbrief.com/guest-blog-d...
Guest Blog: Duffy’s Airspace Shutdown Threat Exposes the Real Crisis - AvBrief.com
Politicization of the National Airspace System looms.
avbrief.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:24 AM
This blog asks tough questions about DOT Secretary Duffy:
"What Duffy calls a worst-case scenario may not be what it seems. It looks less like a warning & more like a managed crisis, one that shifts the pressure away from him & onto the workforce & the public."
avbrief.com/guest-blog-d...
"What Duffy calls a worst-case scenario may not be what it seems. It looks less like a warning & more like a managed crisis, one that shifts the pressure away from him & onto the workforce & the public."
avbrief.com/guest-blog-d...
Tomorrow FAA reduces flights as airline capacity is cut 10% nationwide. CBS cites the cuts will come at the FAA's "Core 30" airports plus 10 more, including cargo hubs & a NJ civil aviation facility (20 are in states that voted blue in 2024, 20 voted red).
www.cbsnews.com/news/list-40...
www.cbsnews.com/news/list-40...
Core 30 - ASPMHelp
www.aspm.faa.gov
November 6, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Tomorrow FAA reduces flights as airline capacity is cut 10% nationwide. CBS cites the cuts will come at the FAA's "Core 30" airports plus 10 more, including cargo hubs & a NJ civil aviation facility (20 are in states that voted blue in 2024, 20 voted red).
www.cbsnews.com/news/list-40...
www.cbsnews.com/news/list-40...
We're a few weeks away from Thanksgiving & traditionally the Sunday following the holiday is the busiest air travel day of the year in the US & the Wednesday before is the second busiest.
This year is shaping up in an awful way.
www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
This year is shaping up in an awful way.
www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
U.S. orders 10% cut in flights at several airports as shutdown drags on
The Trump administration says the move, which will affect 40 markets, is part of an effort to ease pressure on air traffic controllers.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:10 PM
We're a few weeks away from Thanksgiving & traditionally the Sunday following the holiday is the busiest air travel day of the year in the US & the Wednesday before is the second busiest.
This year is shaping up in an awful way.
www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
This year is shaping up in an awful way.
www.washingtonpost.com/transportati...
Update on the UPS crash in Louisville.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
What we know about the deadly UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky
At least nine people are dead and others wounded after UPS flight 2976 burst into flames and hit buildings during take-off.
www.bbc.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Update on the UPS crash in Louisville.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by William J. McGee
Another video from the ground for UPS plane crash
November 4, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Another video from the ground for UPS plane crash
Reposted by William J. McGee
BREAKING Several sources confirm the plane involved in the crash is a 34-year-old UPS MD-11 (reg. N259UP) which took off from Louisville to Honolulu as flight 5X2976. Updates: https://airlive.net/accident/2025/11/04/breaking-a-plane-has-crashed-near-louisville-international-airport-in-kentucky/
November 4, 2025 at 11:02 PM
BREAKING Several sources confirm the plane involved in the crash is a 34-year-old UPS MD-11 (reg. N259UP) which took off from Louisville to Honolulu as flight 5X2976. Updates: https://airlive.net/accident/2025/11/04/breaking-a-plane-has-crashed-near-louisville-international-airport-in-kentucky/
Vance repeatedly contended pilots are among those whose paychecks stopped arriving Oct 1--although they work for private companies, not government. "If you have, let's say, a pilot who's now missed two paychecks...maybe that guy doesn't show up to work."
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
‘Stop this craziness’: Vance seizes on air delays to pressure Democrats on shutdown
The specter of flight disruptions driven by shortages of air traffic controllers has become a key component of Republicans’ messaging.
www.politico.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Vance repeatedly contended pilots are among those whose paychecks stopped arriving Oct 1--although they work for private companies, not government. "If you have, let's say, a pilot who's now missed two paychecks...maybe that guy doesn't show up to work."
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
Reposted by William J. McGee
Thread.
For those who followed me this week? 100% follow Bill too. He's an airlines expert, and is closely tracking what the administration is doing around flying + aviation safety right now.
If I didn't have Bill, I'd feel way less safe flying - seriously.
For those who followed me this week? 100% follow Bill too. He's an airlines expert, and is closely tracking what the administration is doing around flying + aviation safety right now.
If I didn't have Bill, I'd feel way less safe flying - seriously.
1/3 The shutdown is now on Day 30, so I'm re-upping this column I wrote for @frommers.com almost four weeks ago. Now that airlines & Boeing have had an entire month on the honor system without FAA safety inspector oversight, we can officially start to worry.
www.frommers.com/tips/miscell...
www.frommers.com/tips/miscell...
The Unexpected Travel Effects of the Federal Shutdown
The U.S. government shutdown is changing travel. Unfortunately, some consequences aren't being discussed—particularly what it means for safety.
www.frommers.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Thread.
For those who followed me this week? 100% follow Bill too. He's an airlines expert, and is closely tracking what the administration is doing around flying + aviation safety right now.
If I didn't have Bill, I'd feel way less safe flying - seriously.
For those who followed me this week? 100% follow Bill too. He's an airlines expert, and is closely tracking what the administration is doing around flying + aviation safety right now.
If I didn't have Bill, I'd feel way less safe flying - seriously.
1/3 The shutdown is now on Day 30, so I'm re-upping this column I wrote for @frommers.com almost four weeks ago. Now that airlines & Boeing have had an entire month on the honor system without FAA safety inspector oversight, we can officially start to worry.
www.frommers.com/tips/miscell...
www.frommers.com/tips/miscell...
The Unexpected Travel Effects of the Federal Shutdown
The U.S. government shutdown is changing travel. Unfortunately, some consequences aren't being discussed—particularly what it means for safety.
www.frommers.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:46 PM
1/3 The shutdown is now on Day 30, so I'm re-upping this column I wrote for @frommers.com almost four weeks ago. Now that airlines & Boeing have had an entire month on the honor system without FAA safety inspector oversight, we can officially start to worry.
www.frommers.com/tips/miscell...
www.frommers.com/tips/miscell...
"Meanwhile, as Southwest becomes more like other airlines through its corporate overhaul, McGee said upstarts are taking that model into the next chapter of American aviation. 'Southwest itself doesn't have quite the same Southwest effect it once did.'"
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
Why new airlines want you to fly places you never thought you would
Breeze Airways' CEO David Neeleman talks about how induced demand is crucial to his company's success.
www.usatoday.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:57 PM
"Meanwhile, as Southwest becomes more like other airlines through its corporate overhaul, McGee said upstarts are taking that model into the next chapter of American aviation. 'Southwest itself doesn't have quite the same Southwest effect it once did.'"
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
While countless federal workers are facing unemployment, furloughs, and working without pay...DHS has somehow prioritized buying two private jets for Secretary Noem.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
Coast Guard Buys Two Private Jets for Noem, Costing $172 Million
www.nytimes.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:27 AM
While countless federal workers are facing unemployment, furloughs, and working without pay...DHS has somehow prioritized buying two private jets for Secretary Noem.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/18/u...
Spirit continues to downsize and cut routes. But the airline also continues to serve Cancun, as I saw myself yesterday.
October 19, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Spirit continues to downsize and cut routes. But the airline also continues to serve Cancun, as I saw myself yesterday.
Boeing's downward spiral will be felt in countless ways for years to come.
www.seattletimes.com/business/boe...
www.seattletimes.com/business/boe...
His job to find defects at a key Boeing supplier took a toll on him
Sam Smith was paid to find problems. He says that work at Spirit AeroSystems' 737 fuselage factory nearly destroyed him.
www.seattletimes.com
October 19, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Boeing's downward spiral will be felt in countless ways for years to come.
www.seattletimes.com/business/boe...
www.seattletimes.com/business/boe...
This was just added to the "But There's No Way Airlines Could Possibly Come Up With Any More New Junk Fees For Products & Services That Once Were Free" file...
www.nbcpalmsprings.com/therogginrep...
www.nbcpalmsprings.com/therogginrep...
WestJet Faces Backlash for Charging Passengers to Recline Seats
Canadian airline WestJet is introducing a new “pay-to-recline” seating model as part of a modernization effort affecting more than 40 planes. Passengers who want reclining seats or extra legroom will ...
www.nbcpalmsprings.com
October 19, 2025 at 6:33 PM
This was just added to the "But There's No Way Airlines Could Possibly Come Up With Any More New Junk Fees For Products & Services That Once Were Free" file...
www.nbcpalmsprings.com/therogginrep...
www.nbcpalmsprings.com/therogginrep...
Reposted by William J. McGee
The government shutdown is leading to shortages of air traffic controllers.
"You're either being furloughed or you being told to come to work and you're not getting paid. How are people supposed to pay their rent... their mortgage?" asks @wjm-air.bsky.social on @cnn.com.
"You're either being furloughed or you being told to come to work and you're not getting paid. How are people supposed to pay their rent... their mortgage?" asks @wjm-air.bsky.social on @cnn.com.
October 10, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The government shutdown is leading to shortages of air traffic controllers.
"You're either being furloughed or you being told to come to work and you're not getting paid. How are people supposed to pay their rent... their mortgage?" asks @wjm-air.bsky.social on @cnn.com.
"You're either being furloughed or you being told to come to work and you're not getting paid. How are people supposed to pay their rent... their mortgage?" asks @wjm-air.bsky.social on @cnn.com.
Reposted by William J. McGee
"We have been understaffed, underfunded, and underequipped at the FAA, particularly in the air traffic control sector, for decades."
@wjm-air.bsky.social joined @cnn.com last night to discuss the shutdown's impact on air travel — and the decades long issues plaguing the FAA.
@wjm-air.bsky.social joined @cnn.com last night to discuss the shutdown's impact on air travel — and the decades long issues plaguing the FAA.
October 9, 2025 at 6:10 PM
"We have been understaffed, underfunded, and underequipped at the FAA, particularly in the air traffic control sector, for decades."
@wjm-air.bsky.social joined @cnn.com last night to discuss the shutdown's impact on air travel — and the decades long issues plaguing the FAA.
@wjm-air.bsky.social joined @cnn.com last night to discuss the shutdown's impact on air travel — and the decades long issues plaguing the FAA.