The FAA says it will be reducing flights by 10 percent starting on Friday amid the ongoing government shutdown. The Trump administration says it's also considering a four-percent reduction in available flights.

You may not realize the marking is there, but the crew knows exactly where it is—and for good reason.

Imagine this: You hear flight staff announce that the boarding door has closed as you notice several empty airplane seats in the rows near you. Naturally, you wonder if it’s okay to move to an empty seat to give yourself and fellow passengers more room and make for a more comfortable flight (I know I’ve wondered this).

Spreading your wings in the cabin might seem harmless, but don't be surprised if the flight crew clips them.

If you’ve flown recently, you’ve likely noticed signage for Clear+, a private, fee-based biometric identification service that bills itself as a faster alternative to the standard security line. 

Flying is just not what it used to be. Long lines to go through security, cyberattacks on airport check-in systems, labor strikes, lost bags and cancellations. Now on top of all that, there is a global shortage of pilots and airlines are feeling the pinch.

Las Vegas has been walking a tightrope this year. After years of boom-era expansion and record-setting tourism numbers, the Strip is showing signs of strain. The federal government shutdown could exacerbate the city's turbulence, as it depends more heavily on tourism than some comparably sized cities.

Lawmakers and experts alike warn the federal government shutdown, which could see nearly a quarter of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees furloughed, would only worsen the downward trend. The shutdown will force the FAA to suspend hiring and training and delay safety initiatives, according to experts. It could also cause increased wait times at airports, flight delays and cancellations, and delays to repairs and construction on airports.