Two of the main advantages people cite for flying out of small, regional airports are quick check-ins and short security checkpoint lines, which tends to turn into the convenience of travelers showing up with less than an hour to go before their flight takes off.
Once they land at one of the major airports across the United States, though, it’s a much different situation. Chronic staffing shortages and aging equipment have been forcing flight delays and cancellations, to varying degrees, for the past several years. Those challenges are now being amplified by the confusion created because of the federal government shutdown.
Now factor in additional traffic because of the busy pheasant hunting season in South Dakota– which officially opens for residents and nonresidents this weekend (Oct. 18, 2025)— and Pierre City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga says if you’re flying out of Pierre, you’ll want to get to the airport earlier than you may be used to.
Huizenga says one thing that makes a difference is whether or not you’re checking a bag.
To accommodate hunting season, SkyWest/United Express has added extra flights between the Pierre Regional Airport and the Denver International Airport during October and November.
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In October, there are two extra flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
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In November, there will be two extra flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Since the shutdown began Oct. 1, 2025, flight delays have spread to airports in Nashville, Denver, Newark and more. The Federal Aviation Administration has reported staffing issues in cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Houston. Experts say air travel could face deeper problems if the shutdown continues.
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