Air travel got off to a good start this long weekend, but it didn’t last long.
By Sunday morning, airlines began canceling flights in advance of expected snowfall in the Northeast. Further disruption was possible due to a second winter storm in the Deep South on Monday and Tuesday, this one a potential hurricane to hit the Texas coast.
At first, however, there was the threat of wintry weather in the Northeast.
Airlines had canceled 585 flights as of 12:45 a.m. EDT Sunday, the majority of which were arriving at airports serving the New York, Washington and Boston metro areas. Nearly three dozen flights had already been canceled for Monday.
Leading the way in cancellations on Sunday: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), where a combined 178 arrivals and departures were canceled – or about 17% of the airport’s entire daily schedule, According to flight-tracking service FlightAwareWashington’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) was a close second, with about 15% of Sunday’s schedule already canceled. Both airports are hubs for United Airlines.
Further delays were possible on Sunday when flakes really started falling across the area.
One or two disruptions in air travel may continue from the second to next week. That second storm was expected to hit on Monday, when airports in the Deep South had already begun warning about another blast of wintry conditions that could wreak havoc in parts of the country that rarely see snow. It snows.
This included the potential for snow accumulation from Texas along the Gulf Coast to northern Florida and then north into megahubs in Atlanta and Charlotte by Tuesday.
Weekend flight cancellations are more likely
The long weekend got off to a good start for most air travelers, with only 45 cancellations reported on U.S. flights on Saturday and 47 on Friday.
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However, by Sunday morning, travelers faced hundreds of pre-cancellations as the forecast for bad weather became more certain.
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Cancellations and delays were expected to increase on the East Coast as a fast-moving winter storm moved through Sunday, which was expected to dump snow on parts of the New York metropolitan area, New England and the surrounding region.
Most major US airlines had issued travel advisories for the next few days, covering several major hubs in the Northeast – from the New York City area’s three major airports to Boston, Philadelphia and the Washington, DC area.
Those exemptions gave passengers additional flexibility to make free ticket changes even if flying on the most restrictive ticket.
Northeast winter season
Travelers should plan for disruptions to and from LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and especially John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Needed Said on Friday.
The governing bodies of those airports urged travelers to check with their airline and take extra time to get to the airport — especially amid ongoing construction at JFK, the region’s largest hub.
DC area suffering due to severe cold
Making matters worse: Travelers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) had to deal with its heating system malfunctioning in the terminals, causing temperatures inside to drop as passengers disembarked in the city – which itself was bitterly cold. Was prepared for – ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.
More wintry weather possible next week
While this weekend’s winter storm was likely to disrupt air travel Sunday and Monday, parts of the Deep South were already planning for the possibility of a winter storm that could bring travel to a halt.
The National Weather Service has warned of an “increased possibility” of a storm that could spread across parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia — perhaps bringing “accumulating snow and ice.” This includes cities like Houston, New Orleans and Tallahassee. “Cities can also get involved.” Florida, where winter weather is rarely seen.
United Airlines, which operates a major hub at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), had already issued additional travel waivers for next week’s developing storm, covering several southern airports, including its Houston base. was included.
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) took to social media to note its preparations ahead of the impending storm.
The region has already been hit by severe storms, snow and ice in recent weeks. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the nation’s second-busiest, had to cancel thousands of flights over the past month due to inclement weather.
Whether your travels take you to the East Coast this weekend or parts of the South next week, here’s how you can start preparing now:
For travel advice see
Check your airline’s website. If you’re planning to fly to the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast in the next few days, it’s possible your flight may be covered by one of the many travel advisories issued by major US carriers.
This lets you make complimentary itinerary changes more easily, right from your airline’s app – even if you’re flying on a more restrictive ticket like Basic Economy.
For example, American Airlines’ advisory includes its four major hubs: LaGuardia, JFK, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and DCA.
Southwest Airlines also covers its busy Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) base, in addition to other airports.
Here’s a summary of current alerts from the largest US carriers:
Note that United has two separate alerts: one for the Northeast weather system this weekend, which covers several East Coast airports, including Newark and its hubs at Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAH). Are included.
The Chicago-based carrier has a second advisory for the Deep South weather system next week, so you can start planning now for potential disruptions.
Keep an eye on your airline’s app
Make sure you download your airline’s app and keep a close eye on it. You may receive notifications about flight delays or cancellations, and you’ll notice early signs of trouble with your travel plans.
Plus: If your flight is delayed or canceled, your airline may allow you to book a new flight directly in the app.
This can save you valuable time that you would otherwise spend waiting for customer service.
Read more: Flight canceled or delayed? Here’s what to do next
See any good rebooking options? don’t be late
If you’re dealing with flight delays and see a half-hearted rebooking option in your airline’s app, don’t waste a second: lock it down!
Thousands of flights are likely to be affected by the winter weather in the coming days, with many other passengers “competing” for seats on flights scheduled to depart on time. This means those open spots will fill up quickly.
Don’t forget about the lounge
If using your airline’s app to make itinerary changes isn’t cutting it, you might consider going to your airline’s lounge (if you’re a member, of course). There can often be a much shorter wait for assistance at the customer service desk at the airlines’ clubs than around the airport.
Just keep in mind: this only applies to airport lounges that are affiliated with your airline; Like credit card-branded clubs American Express Centurion Lounge Or Capital One Lounge – While this is a great place to pass the time during delays – it won’t be able to help you change your flights.
Review Your Refund Rights
Now is a good time to improve yourself Right to Refund When it comes to air travel.
Under U.S. Department of Transportation policy, when your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, airlines are required to refund you for the unflown portion of your ticket – only if you choose not to travel. (and do not accept repeat bookings).
This rule also applies if there is a flight disruption due to bad weather, and it can come in handy if you opt to stay home instead of taking a later flight in the middle of a winter storm.
Receiving compensation for delayed flight
Airlines have made various promises to DOT for food, hotel accommodation and other Guarantee In case of flight cancellation or major delay. However, keep in mind, these generally apply to “controllable” disruptions (such as maintenance or staffing issues) and are generally No Apply when bad weather affects travel.
right here a Travel credit card that offers travel insurance protection This can come in handy when flight issues leave you stranded, helping you cover unexpected costs. One catch: In most cases, you typically have to book your travel with that card in order to make a successful claim.
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