Airlines Cancel Flights and Provide Waivers Amid Widespread Winter Storm Across the US
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U.S. airlines are bracing for significant disruptions as a winter storm is set to blanket two dozen states with heavy snow, sleet, and hazardous ice. This storm could severely impact air travel as we approach the weekend.
According to FOX Weather, the combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow poses a serious risk for travelers, potentially leading to power outages and tree damage, particularly in the Southeast. Meanwhile, northern regions are expected to experience heavier snowfall. AccuWeather has warned that this winter storm will bring cold temperatures not seen in five years.
Dan DePodwin, vice president of forecasting operations at AccuWeather, stated, “This will likely result in thousands of flight cancellations on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.”
ONE AIRLINE SOARS ABOVE THE REST IN 2025 RANKINGS WHILE MAJOR CARRIERS CRASH TO BOTTOM
U.S. airlines have announced travel waivers as a winter storm could disrupt air travel heading into the weekend. (Reuters / Reuters Photos)
Travel booking app Hopper estimates that the storm could lead to over 15,000 flight delays, with a notable 17% increase in travelers opting for Disruption Assistance for this weekend.
Delta Air Lines has already canceled flights at select airports in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, prioritizing customer safety. The airline will automatically rebook passengers to the next available itinerary and is offering fee-free changes for existing bookings.
Southwest Airlines anticipates disruptions across the South and East, providing customers with the option to rebook or travel standby within a two-week window.
The mix of ice, snow, and strong winds could slow airport operations, force delays and cancellations, and complicate rebookings. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images / Getty Images)
American Airlines is also providing flexibility for travelers at major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte. United Airlines has issued a waiver covering much of the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and parts of the Carolinas and Ohio Valley, including operations in Newark and the Washington area.
JetBlue has announced a waiver for the Northeast, affecting New York and Boston-area airports, and will waive change and cancellation fees for customers traveling to and from 11 cities.
Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines allows travelers to request a refund if their flights are canceled or delayed for more than three hours on domestic flights or six hours on international flights. Spirit Airlines is waiving modification charges and fare differences for travel across 13 cities from Friday to Sunday.
Delta Air Lines canceled flights at select airports in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
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Airlines are advising travelers to keep a close eye on their flight statuses and utilize mobile apps and airline websites for the quickest rebooking options as the storm approaches.
DePodwin added, “Even in locations far from the storm, such as West Coast hubs, Denver, Chicago, and Minneapolis, the ripple effects of this widespread travel-halting winter storm will be felt.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
Check out what’s clicking on FoxBusiness.com.
U.S. airlines are bracing for significant disruptions as a winter storm is set to blanket two dozen states with heavy snow, sleet, and hazardous ice. This storm could severely impact air travel as we approach the weekend.
According to FOX Weather, the combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow poses a serious risk for travelers, potentially leading to power outages and tree damage, particularly in the Southeast. Meanwhile, northern regions are expected to experience heavier snowfall. AccuWeather has warned that this winter storm will bring cold temperatures not seen in five years.
Dan DePodwin, vice president of forecasting operations at AccuWeather, stated, “This will likely result in thousands of flight cancellations on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.”
ONE AIRLINE SOARS ABOVE THE REST IN 2025 RANKINGS WHILE MAJOR CARRIERS CRASH TO BOTTOM
U.S. airlines have announced travel waivers as a winter storm could disrupt air travel heading into the weekend. (Reuters / Reuters Photos)
Travel booking app Hopper estimates that the storm could lead to over 15,000 flight delays, with a notable 17% increase in travelers opting for Disruption Assistance for this weekend.
Delta Air Lines has already canceled flights at select airports in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee, prioritizing customer safety. The airline will automatically rebook passengers to the next available itinerary and is offering fee-free changes for existing bookings.
Southwest Airlines anticipates disruptions across the South and East, providing customers with the option to rebook or travel standby within a two-week window.
The mix of ice, snow, and strong winds could slow airport operations, force delays and cancellations, and complicate rebookings. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images / Getty Images)
American Airlines is also providing flexibility for travelers at major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte. United Airlines has issued a waiver covering much of the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and parts of the Carolinas and Ohio Valley, including operations in Newark and the Washington area.
JetBlue has announced a waiver for the Northeast, affecting New York and Boston-area airports, and will waive change and cancellation fees for customers traveling to and from 11 cities.
Ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines allows travelers to request a refund if their flights are canceled or delayed for more than three hours on domestic flights or six hours on international flights. Spirit Airlines is waiving modification charges and fare differences for travel across 13 cities from Friday to Sunday.
Delta Air Lines canceled flights at select airports in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Airlines are advising travelers to keep a close eye on their flight statuses and utilize mobile apps and airline websites for the quickest rebooking options as the storm approaches.
DePodwin added, “Even in locations far from the storm, such as West Coast hubs, Denver, Chicago, and Minneapolis, the ripple effects of this widespread travel-halting winter storm will be felt.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
