You’ve done everything by the book — got to the airport hours before departure, followed TSA guidelines about what can’t be put in carry bags, even remembered to wear slip-on shoes to make the getaway to the gate faster.

The FAA is slowing air traffic into Newark Airport as a result of staffing shortages the day before the peak Thanksgiving travel begins, according to the FAA website. The ground delay program at Newark is in effect until 1 a.

United Airlines said a shortage of air traffic controllers is impacting its business and people's travel plans in what is expected to be a record-shattering Thanksgiving travel week.

Beyond weather, shortages in air traffic controllers in the Northeast threaten to wreak havoc ahead of Turkey Day. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) warned travelers may experience delays “due to FAA staffing issues,” and recommended they check their flight status and get to the airport extra early.

It is no secret the week of Thanksgiving is among the busiest for U.S. airports. The FAA said it is implementing measures to keep air traffic functioning, but such measures could delay flights.

The Federal Aviation Administration might need to slow down air traffic during the busiest holiday travel times because of staffing shortages with air traffic controllers, particularly in the Northeast.

FAA administrator Michael Whitaker said there could be flight delays during the Thanksgiving holiday week due to air traffic controller shortages.

The FAA has had trouble filling air traffic controller posts, which could result in slowdowns of air traffic. “During the Thanksgiving travel period, we will use traffic flow management initiatives to deal with any staffing shortages on that particular day in this airspace,