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Air travel is off to a smooth commencement this extended weekend, but that is likely to shift — first due to snow in the Northeast and then in the Deep South owing to a second winter storm, this one a potentially large system now taking shape off the Texas coastline.
Initially, wintry conditions could disrupt air traffic in the Northeast and New England on Sunday.
The second of a dual strike to air travel may then occur on Monday, as airports in the Deep South are already cautioning that further wintry weather could cause turmoil in regions that rarely experience snow.
This includes the chance of snowfall accumulations extending from Texas along the Gulf coast into northern Florida and — perhaps most troubling for travelers — northward over major hubs in Atlanta and Charlotte by Tuesday.
Cancellations and delays during the weekend likely
At present, passengers have not encountered many flight delays or cancellations.
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However, the swiftly moving winter storm predicted for Sunday threatens to deliver snow to sections of the New York metropolitan area, New England, and nearby areas, as per the National Weather Service — with up to six inches of snow accumulation anticipated inland.
Most significant U.S. airlines have now published travel advisories for the next few days, covering many of the largest Northeast hubs, including the three main airports in the New York City area, as well as Boston, Philadelphia, and the Washington, D.C. area.
These waivers provide travelers with additional flexibility to make complimentary ticket modifications, even on highly restrictive tickets.
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Winter weather in the Northeast
Passengers should anticipate interruptions when traveling to or from LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and especially John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said on Friday.
The governing body of these airports advised travelers to verify with their airline and allow extra time when heading to the airport — specifically at JFK, amid ongoing construction at the region’s largest hub.
Chilly conditions impact the DC region
Compounding the issue: Passengers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) faced a malfunction of the heating system within terminals, resulting in plummeting temperatures inside as travelers flocked to the city — itself preparing for frigid temperatures — ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.
Additional winter weather possibly next week
While the winter storm this weekend is poised to interfere with air travel on Sundayand Monday, regions of the Deep South are already making arrangements for the potential of a winter storm that could halt travel.
The National Weather Service cautioned about the “growing likelihood” of a storm that might traverse parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia — possibly bringing “accumulating snow and ice.” This could even affect cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Tallahassee, Florida, that seldom experience snowy weather.
United Airlines, which has a significant hub at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), has already released an additional travel waiver for the storm developing next week, encompassing numerous southern airports, including its base in Houston.
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) also engaged on social media to highlight its readiness ahead of the anticipated storm.
The area has already been impacted by intense storms, snow, and ice in recent weeks. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the second busiest airport in the nation, has experienced thousands of flight cancellations over the last month, attributed to a series of adverse weather events.
Whether your journeys take you to the East Coast this weekend or areas of the South next week, here’s how you can begin making preparations now:
Look out for a travel advisory
Check your airline’s website. If you’re intending to fly to the mid-Atlantic or Northeast in the coming days, it’s quite possible your flight could be included in one of the numerous travel advisories issued by major U.S. airlines.
This could facilitate making complimentary itinerary adjustments directly from your airline’s app — even if you’re holding a typically restrictive fare like basic economy.
For example, American Airlines’ advisory includes four of its primary hubs: LaGuardia, JFK, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and DCA.
Southwest Airlines’ advisory pertains to its bustling Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) hub, along with other airports.
Here’s a summary of the current alerts from the largest U.S. airlines:
Note that United Airlines has two distinct advisories: one for the Northeast weather system this weekend covering a range of East Coast airports, including its hubs at Newark and Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAH).
The carrier based in Chicago has a second advisory for the Deep South weather system next week, so you can start preparing now for possible disruptions.
Monitor your airline’s app
Ensure you download your airline’s app, and keep a close eye on it. You may receive notifications regarding flight delays or cancellations, and you’ll be able to detect early warning signs of issues with your travel arrangements.
Additionally: if your flight is delayed or canceled, your airline may permit you to rebook directly within the app.
This could save you considerable time that you would otherwise spend waiting on hold with customer support.
Read more: Flight canceled or delayed? Here’s what to do next
See a favorable rebooking option? Act swiftly
If you’re experiencing flight delays and notice a reasonably good rebooking choice appear in your airline’s app, don’t delay: Secure it!
With thousands of flights likely to be impacted by winter weather in the upcoming days, numerous other travelers will be “competing” for seats on flights that do depart as scheduled. This implies that available slots will fill up rapidly.
Don’t overlook the lounge
If utilizing your airline’s app for itinerary adjustments isn’t effective, consider visiting your airline’s lounge (if you are a member, of course). The customer service counters in airline lounges frequently have much shorter wait times for help compared to what you might encounter within the airport terminal.
Just remember: this only pertains to airport lounges affiliated with your airline; credit card-branded clubs such as the American Express Centurion Lounge or Capital One Lounge — while delightful spots to pass time during a delay — won’t be able to assist you with flight changes.
Understand your refund entitlements
Now is an opportune moment to familiarize yourself with your entitlements for a refund regarding air travel.
According to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, airlines must refund you for the unused portion of your ticket when your flight is canceled or significantly delayed — solely if you opt not to travel (and do not accept a rebooking).
This regulation applies even when the flight disruption is a result of adverse weather, and it can be beneficial if you choose to remain home instead of boarding a later flight amid a winter storm.
Obtaining compensation for a delayed flight
Airlines have made various commitments to the DOT for meals, hotel accommodations, and other guarantees in the event of flight cancellations and significant delays. However, note that these typically pertain to “controllable” disruptions (such as maintenance or staffing challenges) and usually do not apply in situations where inclement weather impacts travel.
This is where a travel credit card that provides travel insurance benefits can be advantageous, aiding you in recovering unexpected expenses when flight issues leave you stranded. The only stipulation: In most instances, you’ll typically need to have booked your trip with that card to submit a successful claim.
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