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FAA furloughs may cause up to two hours in flight delays

SEATTLE — Starting Sunday, the Federal Aviation Administration plans to furlough air traffic controllers in response to sequestration budget cuts, which could affect many flights.

The agency predicts the furloughs could cause delays ranging from 50 minutes to two hours and a reduction in flight arrivals.

Officials with Alaska Airlines are urging customers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

"While we hope the impact of these FAA furloughs does not cause massive flight delays across the country, it is with an abundance of care for our customers that we caution them, especially travelers flying to or from Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco where we have several daily flights," Alaska Airlines Chief Operating Officer Ben Minicucci said.

Alaska Airlines officials also urged customers to allow additional time to check in when traveling to or from Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Newark, San Diego and San Francisco.