A strong cold front is expected to cross the country in the coming days, and airlines are already starting to feel the impact.
The system was just beginning to move Wednesday morning, with more severe weather and freezing temperatures expected later in the day and into Thursday, and into Friday farther east. Just after 6:15 p.m. ET, 452 flights in the United States had been canceled, according to FlightAware.
Travelers will face a tougher time on Thursday with more than 840 US flights canceled – that number is expected to rise.
The storm system is on track to continue pushing east through the end of the week, and airlines have already issued waivers across much of the Midwest, Northeast and even some southern parts for some carriers.
Here’s what you need to know about airline deals and what you’re entitled to if your flight is cancelled.
Delayed or canceled flight? :What you need to know and what airlines owe travelers.
If your flight is delayed:You may be eligible for compensation from your airline
What am I entitled to if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
The Department of Transportation requires all airlines to refund your ticket even if you purchased a non-refundable fare if your flight is cancelled.
The rules regarding delays are a bit more complicated and each airline’s policy is slightly different. the The DOT has a dashboard for travelers to see what they are entitled to per carrier.
Airlines often do not compensate for weather-related delays, as these are considered beyond the carrier’s control.
My flight was canceled but I covered most of my expenses (after 3 months)
Airline Weather Waivers
Although airlines do not offer compensation for many weather delays, they preemptively try to give travelers more flexibility ahead of forecast bad weather.
Currently, many airlines are offering passengers in many parts of the country the option to adjust their trips to travel after the storm has passed. Here is an overview:
- American airlines: passengers booked on existing tickets to travel to, from or through parts of the Midwest between December 1, 21 and 23 or parts of the Northeast between December 21. 22s and 24s can postpone their plans until December 1st. 30 without paying change fees or price differences.
- Delta Airlines: The airline has issued several waivers covering travel until December 1. 25 in some areas. Depending on the airports included in the original itinerary, travelers may be able to change their ticket to fly until December 1. 28 without paying the price differences. Delta does not charge change fees except on base economy class tickets.
- United Airlines: Travelers in most of the country until December 1st. 25 have the option to move their plans to December. 28 or 30, depending on the region, without paying change fees or fare differences. Exact dates and locations for the waiver to apply vary by region.
- South West AirlinesMost travelers have the option to change their tickets for travel through December 31. 26 in the Rockies, Midwest and Northeast without having to pay a rate difference. The airline does not charge a change fee.
- Spirit AirlinesPassengers traveling to, from or through many airports in the Midwest through Dec. 1. 23 and northeast until Dec. 24. Covered passengers can move their flights to December 1. 28 or earlier without paying any fare difference or change fee.
- Border airlines: Travelers had to travel until December. 24 to, from, or through select Northeast, Midwest, and Southern airports may change their travel dates without paying a change fee.
- JetBlue: Many passengers traveling in the Midwest or Northeast through Dec. 1. 23 can move their trip to December. 25 or earlier without paying any change fees or fare difference.
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