Winter Storm Disrupts U.S. Travel as Airlines Cancel Over 10,000 Weekend Flights
Storm Forecast and Flight Cancellations
A significant winter storm sweeping across the United States is expected to result in more than 10,000 flight cancellations this weekend, impacting air travel for millions. According to the flight tracking servstart FlightAware, over 3,500 flights have been canceled for Saturday, while Sunday has seen more than 6,700 cancellations.
In a statement released late Thursday, Delta Air Lines emphasized that the cancellations were “necessary at select airports in North Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee to ensure the safety of our customers and crew.”
Impact on Airports
The storm’s effects are particularly pronounced at airports in Texas, where travelers are facing substantial disruptions. In response to the upheaval, American Airlines has announced the addition of 17 extra flights in and out of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on Friday and Sunday to accommodate the influx of passengers attempting to alter their travel plans. Specifically, eight flights are scheduled to depart DFW on Friday, and nine flights are set to arrive on Sunday. Additionally, the airline will offer 17 extra flights on Saturday between Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Dallas airport officials have issued a winter weather advisory, urging passengers to remain vigilant about road conditions, verify their flight status with airlines, and follow the airport’s updates on social media.
Travel Waivers and Customer Assistance
In anticipation of the storm, major U.S. airlines have rolled out travel waivers, allowing customers to modify their travel arrangements without incurring penalties. Delta has extended its travel waivers to affected areas in the eastern U.S., encompassing cities such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, alongside existing waivers for parts of the central and southeastern U.S.
American Airlines has also joined these efforts, announcing that passengers booked to travel through 34 specific U.S. airports can change their flights for free if they purchased tickets before January 19 and are scheduled to fly between January 23 and January 25. Restrictions apply, as travelers must maintain their original departure and arrival cities and make any changes by January 25.
As winter weather continues to pose challenges, passengers are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly for any potential travel disruptions this weekend.