Severe Winter Storm Prompts US Airlines to Issue Wide Travel Waivers

Post by : Saif Nasser

U.S. airlines have begun issuing broad travel waivers as a powerful winter storm threatens to disrupt air travel across large parts of the country. The storm is expected to spread heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and strong winds across nearly two dozen states, creating dangerous conditions for travelers and airport operations as the busy weekend approaches.

Weather agencies have warned that the storm could bring serious challenges. The National Weather Service said the mix of ice, snow, and freezing rain may cause hazardous road conditions, power outages, and damage to trees, particularly in parts of the Southeast. Heavier snowfall is forecast for northern regions. AccuWeather reported that temperatures could drop to levels not seen since 2021, increasing the risk of flight delays and cancellations.

As the storm advanced, airlines began adjusting schedules. Delta Air Lines canceled flights at selected airports in five states, citing concerns that icy runways, snow-covered taxiways, and strong winds could slow airport operations. The airline said weather conditions could affect flights across the Southern Plains and the Southeast, including its main hub in Atlanta. Delta added that affected passengers would be rebooked automatically on the next available flights and allowed to make changes without paying extra fees under its waiver policy.

Forecasting experts expect the impact to be widespread and long-lasting. AccuWeather said the storm could result in thousands of flight cancellations between Saturday and Monday. Travel booking company Hopper estimates that more than 15,000 flights may face delays as airlines struggle to manage aircraft and crew schedules during the storm.

Other major airlines have also taken preventive steps. Southwest Airlines said it expects disruptions across parts of the South and East and is allowing customers to rebook or travel on standby within a two-week window without penalties. American Airlines expanded its flexible travel policy across its network, including major hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth and Charlotte, giving passengers more time and options to adjust their plans.

United Airlines issued a travel waiver covering large areas of the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Carolinas, and Ohio Valley. This includes operations at Newark and airports around Washington. United said customers can shift their travel dates without paying change fees or fare differences, as long as they keep the same route and cabin class.

JetBlue announced a waiver focused on the Northeast, covering airports in the New York and Boston areas, and said it would waive change and cancellation fees for travelers flying to and from 11 cities. Frontier Airlines said passengers may request refunds if flights are canceled or delayed beyond certain time limits. Spirit Airlines also waived modification charges and fare differences for travel between January 23 and January 25 across 13 cities.

Airlines have urged travelers to closely monitor their flight status and use mobile apps and official airline websites for the fastest rebooking options. Many travelers are already preparing for disruptions. Hopper reported a 17 percent increase in customers adding disruption assistance to their trips for the weekend.

Experts warned that even regions far from the storm’s center could feel its effects. Major airports on the West Coast, along with hubs in Denver, Chicago, and Minneapolis, may experience delays due to aircraft and crew shortages caused by the storm’s ripple effects.

As winter weather tightens its grip, travelers are advised to stay informed, remain flexible, and prepare for delays or cancellations. The coming days are expected to test both airlines and passengers as one of the season’s strongest storms moves across the United States.