Storms sweeping across the eastern half of the country are disrupting air travel across the United States. FlightAware reported more than 3,500 flights canceled Monday and about 6,300 others delayed. The storms already dumped heavy snow across parts of the Midwest and were moving toward the East Coast with strong winds and the threat of tornadoes. The travel disruptions come during a busy period for airports, with spring break vacations and fans traveling for March Madness games. Meanwhile, a partial government shutdown affecting the Transportation Security Administration has stretched staffing at some airport security checkpoints, leading to longer lines in some places.

Travelers this Thanksgiving may still feel on edge after the historic government shutdown that caused widespread flight cancellations and delays. But experts say staying informed about weather, traffic, and airport wait times can help ease anxiety. The FAA is preparing for its busiest Thanksgiving in 15 years, with over 360,000 flights scheduled. And the TSA expects to screen more than 17.8 million people. Winter weather could impact major airports, so travelers should check forecasts regularly. Packing smartly and arriving early can also reduce stress. For road trips, AAA advises checking your car and avoiding peak traffic times.

Airlines have canceled over 9,000 flights across the U.S. since the Federal Aviation Administration ordered flight cuts late last week. The cuts aim to ease demands on short-staffed control towers during the federal government shutdown. On Tuesday, another 1,200 flights were canceled as the FAA increased its target for reducing flights at major airports. Flights are expected to remain disrupted even as the shutdown nears an end, and cancellations are unlikely to ease right away. The pace of airline ticket sales for Thanksgiving travel has slowed as more travelers have reconsidered whether to fly amid all the delays and cancellations.

Anxious travelers across the U.S. felt a bit of relief as airlines mostly stayed on schedule while gradually cutting flights because of the government shutdown. More than 800 flights were called off on Friday to comply with the Federal Aviation Administration's order to reduce service. Some passengers were forced make last-minute changes and rebook on different flights. Plenty of nervousness remained, as more canceled flights are expected in the coming days. Airports in Chicago, Atlanta, Denver and Dallas led the way with the most disruptions, and long security lines added to travelers' woes. The upheaval will intensify the longer the shutdown lasts and could become chaotic if it extends into the Thanksgiving holiday, just weeks from now.

Continued staffing shortages in air traffic control facilities are causing delays at airports as the government shutdown nears the one-month mark. Controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been warning that travelers will see more flights delayed or canceled the longer they go without a paycheck. The Federal Aviation Administration reported staffing-related delays on Friday at airports in Boston, Nashville, Houston, Dallas, and Newark, New Jersey. Most controllers are continuing to work mandatory overtime six days a week during the shutdown. Duffy says that leaves little time for a side job to help cover bills, mortgage and other expenses unless controllers call out.

Air traffic controllers are missing another paycheck due to the ongoing government shutdown, raising concerns about financial stress affecting their work. A number of isolated flight delays have been reported since the shutdown began as more controllers call out sick. The Federal Aviation Administration was already short on staff before the shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels emphasize the pressure on controllers. Some are taking second jobs to make ends meet. The shutdown is also hindering efforts to reduce the shortage of controllers. Though pressure is mounting on Congress, Democrats and Republicans have shown little sign of being able to reach a deal to fund the government.