A severe winter storm has plunged the United States into a travel crisis, with airlines and airports bracing for what is being described as one of the most disruptive days for air travel since the pandemic. Widespread cancellations and delays are affecting millions of passengers across the nation.
Historic Scale of Disruption
According to aviation analytics company Cirium, Sunday is set to witness the highest cancellation event in the US since the pandemic, with over 29% of all departing flights being axed. Flight-tracking site FlightAware reports that more than 13,500 flights have been canceled across the US since Saturday, with approximately 9,600 of those scheduled for Sunday alone.
Major Airports and Airlines Impacted
The storm's path, stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, is threatening nearly 180 million people with snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Key airport hubs are experiencing severe disruptions.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has warned travelers of widespread cancellations, with 97% of its departing flights—414 in total—canceled for the day. Other major airports facing significant issues include Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Atlanta, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.
Major US carriers are grappling with massive schedule changes:
- American Airlines has canceled over 1,400 flights for Sunday.
- Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines each reported around 1,000 cancellations.
- United Airlines has more than 800 canceled flights.
- JetBlue has over 560 cancellations, accounting for roughly 70% of its daily schedule.
Weather Forecast and Regional Impact
The National Weather Service indicated that after sweeping through the South, the storm is expected to move into the Northeast. Forecasters predict it will dump about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, exacerbating travel woes in these densely populated regions.
Passenger Advice and Rights
For travelers affected by the cancellations, airlines provide specific guidance and legal obligations.
Immediate Steps for Passengers
If your flight is canceled, it is recommended to get in line to speak with a customer service representative if you are already at the airport. If you are at home or a hotel, call or go online to connect with your airline's reservations staff. Researching alternate flights while waiting can be helpful.
Rebooking and Refund Policies
Most airlines will rebook passengers on a later flight at no additional charge, subject to seat availability. While airlines are not required to book you on another carrier, some major carriers may place you on a partner airline, though this is not guaranteed.
If your flight is canceled and you no longer wish to travel, or you have found an alternative way to your destination, airlines are legally obligated to provide a full refund, even for non-refundable tickets. This applies regardless of the cancellation reason. Passengers are also entitled to refunds for any unused bag fees, seat upgrades, or other extras.
The airline might offer a travel credit, but passengers have the right to insist on a cash refund instead. This ensures financial protection during such widespread travel disruptions.
