As a major winter storm approaches the eastern U.S., five of the nation’s largest airlines have issued travel advisories. This storm is predicted to bring frigid temperatures, snow, and strong winds, impacting air travel across multiple states this weekend.
Winter Storm Forecast and Travel Disruptions
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of a significant winter storm expected to affect over a dozen states. This storm will originate from the Southern High Plains and Rockies, moving toward the Northeast. An extremely cold airmass, combined with a frontal zone, will create hazardous travel conditions.
- Life-threatening cold air is anticipated across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.
- Gusty winds may lead to downed trees and power lines.
- Wind chills could plummet below -50°F in the Northern Plains.
Airlines Respond to the Storm
Several airlines have announced waivers for passengers scheduled to fly from Friday through Sunday:
- Delta Air Lines: Travel advisories for 41 airports in 12 states, allowing free rebooking until next Wednesday.
- American Airlines: Alerts for 34 airports across 14 states, waiving fees for affected travelers.
- United Airlines: Coverage for 26 Southern U.S. airports, with fee waivers on ticket changes.
- Southwest Airlines: Advisories for 26 airports in Southern and Mid-Atlantic regions for travel through Monday.
- JetBlue Airways: Two alerts covering six airports in the South and Mid-Atlantic, and another for the New York City and Philadelphia areas.
Advice for Travelers
Travelers should remain vigilant about flight status, particularly on Friday through Sunday. Delays and cancellations may occur even for those not directly in the storm’s path. Flights scheduled for late afternoon are historically more susceptible to disruption due to the accumulation of earlier delays.
Staying Informed
To ensure a smooth journey, passengers should:
- Check flight statuses regularly before heading to the airport.
- Rebook their flights if they are eligible for travel waivers, avoiding change fees.
- Use airline apps for real-time updates.
- Utilize flight tracking apps, such as Flighty or FlightAware, to monitor plane arrivals and departures.
Potential Financial Impact
Airlines typically do not provide accommodations or compensation for weather-related disruptions. Last year, Winter Storm Blair resulted in over 22,000 flight cancellations in just two days. A major nor’easter in January 2022 led to more than 5,000 cancellations, costing airlines an estimated $35 million.
Travel Insurance Considerations
Travel insurance policies may cover disruptions caused by winter storms. However, coverage often depends on when the policy was purchased relative to the storm’s declaration. Travelers should review their policy for specifics on coverage against trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions.
In summary, as the massive winter storm approaches the eastern U.S., travelers should prepare for significant air travel disruptions over the weekend. Staying updated and having contingency plans will be essential for ensuring safety and minimizing travel complications.
