Air travel has had a fairly calm start to this extended weekend, but that situation is anticipated to shift due to snow affecting the Northeast, followed by a significant winter storm developing off the Texas coast that could impact the Deep South.
The first weather disturbance is expected to disrupt air traffic across the Northeast and New England on Sunday.
Another round of wintry conditions could hit on Monday, with warnings in place for airports in the Deep South that are not accustomed to snow, predicting travel disruptions.
This might include accumulating snow from Texas along the Gulf Coast into northern Florida, and potentially affecting major hubs such as Atlanta and Charlotte by Tuesday.
Potential for Flight Cancellations and Delays
Currently, travelers have not experienced a large number of flight cancellations or delays.
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However, the rapidly approaching winter storm, forecasted for Sunday, is likely to bring snow to parts of the New York metropolitan area, New England, and nearby regions, with the National Weather Service predicting up to six inches of accumulation inland.
Major U.S. airlines have issued travel advisories for the upcoming days, affecting key Northeast hubs from the three major airports in New York City to Boston, Philadelphia, and the Washington, D.C. area.
These advisory waivers allow travelers increased flexibility to make complimentary changes to their travel plans, even if they hold otherwise restrictive tickets.
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Northeast Weather Update
Passengers should anticipate potential delays when traveling to or from LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and particularly John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has advised checking with airlines and allowing extra time for commutes to these airports, especially at JFK, where construction is ongoing.
Bitter Cold in the D.C. Area
As if that weren’t enough, travelers flying through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) are facing challenges due to a heating system failure in the terminals, which has resulted in frigid indoor temperatures. This comes as visitors arrive in the city, preparing for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday amidst severe cold.
Potential Future Winter Weather
While this weekend’s winter storm is expected to disrupt travel on Sunday and Monday, parts of the Deep South are preparing for another winter storm with the potential to cause major travel interruptions.
The National Weather Service has indicated an “increasing potential” for snow and ice across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, which could even affect cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Tallahassee that rarely encounter wintry weather.
United Airlines, a major operator at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), has already issued a travel waiver for the upcoming storm, affecting various southern airports including its Houston hub.
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is also preparing for the incoming storm, as shared on social media.
Recently, the region has dealt with severe storms, icy conditions, and snow. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the second-busiest airport in the U.S., has seen thousands of cancellations over the past month due to adverse weather.
Whether you’re heading to the East Coast this weekend or traveling to the South next week, consider these preparation tips:
Monitor Travel Advisories
Check your airline’s website regularly. If you plan to fly to the mid-Atlantic or Northeast over the next few days, your flight may be affected by travel advisories issued by major U.S. carriers, allowing for easier changes to your itinerary directly through the airline’s app, even for typically restrictive tickets.
For instance, American Airlines’ advisory covers several key hubs, including LaGuardia, JFK, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and DCA.
Southwest Airlines has also issued advisories for its major base at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and other locations.
United has two separate advisories: one for the Northeast conditions this weekend and another for the Deep South system next week, allowing you to plan ahead for potential disruptions.
Stay Updated via Your Airline’s App
Make sure to download your airline’s app and keep it handy. You may receive notifications about delays or cancellations, as well as early indicators of issues with your travel plans.
Additionally, if your flight is delayed or canceled, you may have the ability to rebook right through the app, saving time you’d spend on hold with customer service.
Read more: What to do if your flight is canceled or delayed
Act Quickly on Rebooking Options
If you experience flight delays and see a good rebooking option in your airline’s app, don’t hesitate — secure it immediately!
With many flights projected to be affected by winter weather, available seats will fill up swiftly as other passengers look for alternate flights.
Maximize Lounge Benefits
If the airline app isn’t providing enough assistance, consider visiting your airline’s lounge, provided you’re a member. Often, customer service desks in airline lounges experience shorter wait times compared to those in the main airport terminals.
Remember: This applies exclusively to airline-affiliated airport lounges; credit card lounges like American Express Centurion or Capital One lounges are not equipped to assist with flight changes.
Understand Your Refund Rights
Now is an excellent time to familiarize yourself with your rights regarding flight refunds.
According to U.S. Department of Transportation policy, airlines must refund the unflown portion of your ticket if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, provided you opt not to travel (and do not agree to a rebooking).
This regulation holds even if bad weather causes the disruption and can be advantageous if you choose to stay home instead of taking a later flight during poor conditions.
Compensation for Delayed Flights
Airlines have committed to various provisions for meals, hotel stays, and other support during significant delays or cancellations. However, these guarantees generally apply to “controllable” issues (like staffing or equipment failures) and not to disruptions caused by weather.
This is where a travel credit card with travel insurance protections may help you recoup costs associated with unexpected delays. Just know that generally, you must book your trip with that card to claim any benefits.
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