Key Takeaways
- A massive winter storm is causing widespread travel disruptions across the US, with over 13,500 flights canceled since Saturday
- The storm is expected to affect nearly 180 million people, with significant disruptions at major airport hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Atlanta
- Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines have canceled over 1,000 flights each, with JetBlue canceling roughly 70% of its schedule for the day
- If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full refund, even if you bought a non-refundable ticket, and may be able to rebook on a later flight or another airline
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A massive winter storm is sweeping across the US, causing widespread travel disruptions and cancellations at some of the nation’s busiest airports. The storm, which is expected to affect nearly 180 million people, has already led to the cancellation of over 13,500 flights since Saturday, with many more expected to be canceled or delayed on Sunday. The National Weather Service has warned of significant snow, sleet, and freezing rain in a path stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, with some areas expected to receive up to 2 feet of snow.
Airline Cancellations and Delays
The winter storm has led to significant disruptions at major airport hubs, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, which is home to the nation’s busiest airport. American Airlines has canceled over 1,400 flights for Sunday, while Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have each reported around 1,000 cancellations. United Airlines has canceled over 800 flights, and JetBlue has canceled more than 560 flights, accounting for roughly 70% of its schedule for the day. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has warned travelers of widespread flight cancellations, with nearly all of its departing flights scheduled for the day canceled.
What to Do If Your Flight is Canceled
If you’re already at the airport and your flight is canceled, it’s best to get in line to speak to a customer service representative. If you’re still at home or at your hotel, you can call or go online to connect to your airline’s reservations staff. It’s also a good idea to research alternate flights while you wait to talk to an agent. Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge, but it depends on the availability of open seats. You may also be able to get booked on another airline, but this is not always guaranteed, and some airlines may not offer this option.
Refunds and Rebooking
If your flight is canceled and you no longer want to take the trip, or you’ve found another way to get to your destination, the airline is legally required to refund your money, even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. The airline may offer you a travel credit, but you are entitled to a full refund. You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades, or other extras that you didn’t get to use. It’s worth noting that some airlines may have different policies, so it’s best to check with your airline directly to see what options are available to you.
Impact on Travelers
The winter storm is expected to have a significant impact on travelers, with many people facing long delays or cancellations. The storm is also expected to cause disruptions to other forms of transportation, such as buses and trains, and may lead to road closures and other hazards. Travelers are advised to check with their airline or transportation provider for the latest information and to plan ahead to minimize disruptions. With the storm expected to continue into Monday, travelers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions and should stay up to date with the latest weather forecast and travel information.
Conclusion
The winter storm sweeping across the US is causing significant travel disruptions and cancellations, with over 13,500 flights canceled since Saturday. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines have canceled over 1,000 flights each, and travelers are facing long delays or cancellations. If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full refund, even if you bought a non-refundable ticket, and may be able to rebook on a later flight or another airline. Travelers should stay up to date with the latest weather forecast and travel information to minimize disruptions and plan ahead to ensure a safe and successful trip.
