Winter Storms Disrupt Air Travel: Over 9,000 Flight Delays and Cancellations
The Impact of Winter Weather on Air Travel
A massive winter storm is wreaking havoc on air travel across the United States, affecting nearly 200 million people in dozens of states. As of Saturday morning, over 9,000 flights have been canceled, and the U.S. Postal Service has warned of potential mail delivery interruptions in more than 30 states. This storm is particularly disruptive to air travel hubs in Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville, Charlotte, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New York.
What to Do If Your Flight is Canceled
If your flight is canceled due to winter storms, there are a few things you can do. Major airlines have issued travel waivers, allowing passengers to rebook their flights without penalty. American, Delta, United, and Southwest have all issued expansive travel waivers for dozens of airports across the country. JetBlue and Spirit have issued similar waivers.
If your flight is canceled, airlines will typically book you on another flight, sometimes partnering with competing airlines to offer seats on other flights. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you are entitled to a refund if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, regardless of the reason. However, you must choose not to travel or accept travel credits, vouchers, or other forms of compensation offered by the airline.
It's important to rebook your flight as soon as you learn of the delay or cancellation. Try rebooking online, through the app, or at the kiosk. If the airline's phone number is backlogged, try calling through the international number. Speed is crucial in these situations.
Winter Storm Travel Waivers
The following airlines are offering travel waivers for this weekend's winter storm:
- American Airlines: Passengers with flights to, from, or through certain airports between January 23-25 can rebook without penalty. Tickets must have been purchased on or before January 19, and all changes must be made by January 25 for travel by January 28.
- Delta Air Lines: Passengers with flights to, from, or through certain airports between January 23-25 can rebook without penalty. New flights must be booked by January 28 for travel no later than January 28.
- United Airlines: Passengers traveling to, from, or through certain airports in Texas between January 23-25 with a ticket purchased on or before January 20 can reschedule their flight. The new flight must be on or before January 29.
- Spirit Airlines: Passengers traveling to, from, or through certain airports between January 23-25 can reschedule their flight. The new flight must be on or before January 28.
- Southwest Airlines: Passengers traveling to, from, or through certain airports between January 23-26 can reschedule their flight. The new flight must be within 14 days of the original travel date.
Reimbursement for Hotel or Food
Airlines will not provide hotel, food, or other reimbursements if a delay or cancellation is due to weather, which is considered outside the airline's control. It's important to be aware of this when planning your travel during winter storms.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on winter storm coverage, visit FOX 5 Atlanta, FOX 5 DC, FOX 29 Philadelphia, and FOX 5 New York. This story was reported from Orlando, and the information was sourced from FlightAware, the U.S. Department of Transportation, FOX Weather, various U.S. airline websites, and previous FOX Local reporting.
