Another winter blast threatens air travel in Northeast, Deep South in coming days

Air travel got off to a smooth start this long weekend, but that could be about to change — first because of snow in the Northeast, then in the deep South thanks to seasonal storms. Monday, this storm is a potential hurricane currently underway off the Texas coast.

First, cold weather could disrupt air traffic in the Northeast and New England on Sunday.

A second blow to air travel could come Monday, as airports in the Deep South warned another blast of winter winds could wreak havoc in parts of the country that rarely see snow.

That includes the possibility of snow accumulation extending from Texas along the Gulf Coast to northern Florida and – perhaps most worrisome for flyers – north through major centers in Atlanta and Charlotte on Tuesday.

Weekend flights may be subject to cancellations and delays

Currently, travelers have not seen many flights delayed or canceled.

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However, a fast-moving winter storm forecast on Sunday threatens to dump snow on the New York metropolitan areas, New England and surrounding areas, the National Weather Service warns – with snow accumulation Condensation is expected to reach up to half a foot inland.

Most major U.S. airlines have now issued travel advisories for the next few days, including many of the Northeast’s largest hubs, from three major airports in the New York City area, to Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC area.

Those waivers give travelers added flexibility to make free ticket changes, even when flying on extremely limited tickets.

Winter weather in the Northeast

Travelers should plan for disruptions when arriving or departing from LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and especially John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Port Authority New York and New Jersey Friday said.

Authorities at these airports urge travelers to check with their airlines and allow extra time to get to the airport – especially at JFK, as the region’s largest hub is under construction. .

The DC region was devastated by the bitter cold

Making matters worse: Passengers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) were faced with heating systems in terminals shutting down, leading to falling interior temperatures strong as passengers descended on the city – itself bracing for bitterly cold temperatures – ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

More winter weather is possible next week
While this weekend’s winter storm is likely to disrupt air travel Sunday and Monday, areas in the Deep South are already planning for the possibility of a winter storm can cause travel delays.

The National Weather Service warned of an “increasing likelihood” of a storm that could sweep across parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia – possibly bringing “accumulation of snow and ice. That could even include cities like Houston, New Orleans and Tallahassee, Florida, where winter weather is rare.

United Airlines, which operates a major hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, has issued additional travel waivers for the developing storm next week, covering a range of airports. south, including the Houston base.

Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) also posted information on social networks about its preparations for the impending storm.

The area has been devastated by severe storms, snow and ice in recent weeks. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the second busiest airport in the nation, has seen thousands of flights canceled over the past month due to bad weather.

Whether your trip takes you to the East Coast this weekend or the Southern regions next week, here’s how you can start preparing now:

Follow travel advisories

Check your airline’s website. If you’re planning to fly to the mid-Atlantic or Northeast in the next few days, there’s a chance your flight may be covered by one of the many travel advisories issued by major U.S. airlines.

This can let you easily make free itinerary changes right from the airline app — even if you’re flying on a regular restricted ticket like basic economy.

For example, American Airlines’ consulting covers the airline’s four major hubs: LaGuardia, JFK, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and DCA.

Southwest Airlines covers the busy Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI) Airport base, along with other airports.

Below is a list of current warnings from the largest US carriers:

Note that United has two separate warnings: one for this weekend’s Northeast weather system that covers a range of East Coast airports, including the airline’s hubs at Newark and Dulles International Airport. Washington (IAH).

The Chicago-based carrier issued a second advisory for the Deep South weather system next week, so now you can start planning ahead for possible disruptions.

Track your airline’s app

Make sure you download the airline’s app and watch closely. You may receive notifications about flight delays or cancellations, and you’ll be able to spot early signs of trouble with your travel plans.

Plus: if your flight is delayed or canceled, your airline may let you book a new flight right in the app.

This can save you a significant amount of time by not having to wait for customer service.

Read more: Flight canceled or delayed? Here’s what to do next

See a good reset option? Don’t delay

If you’re stuck with a delayed flight and see a reasonable rebooking option pop up in your airline app, don’t waste a second: Lock it!

With thousands of flights likely to be affected by winter weather in the coming days, many more passengers will be “competing” for seats on flights that depart on time. That means those vacancies will fill up quickly.

Don’t forget the waiting room

If using the airline’s app to make itinerary changes doesn’t work, you might consider visiting the airline’s lounge (if you’re a member, of course). Customer service desks in airline clubs can often have much shorter wait times for assistance than what you might find along airport lounges.

Just note: this only applies to airport lounges affiliated with your airline; credit card branded clubs such as American Express Centurion Lounge or Capital One Lounge – while a great place to kill time when delayed – won’t help you change your flight.

Review your refund rights

Now is a good time for you to improve right to a refund when it comes to air travel.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation policy, airlines must refund you for the unflown portion of your ticket when your flight is canceled or significantly delayed — only if you choose not to fly (and don’t accept rebooking).

This rule applies even if a flight is disrupted by bad weather, and it can be helpful if you choose to stay home rather than catch a later flight in the middle of a winter storm.

Receive compensation when your flight is delayed

Airlines have made numerous promises to the DOT regarding meals, hotel accommodations and other services. ensure in case of flight cancellations and major delays. Remember, however, these generally apply to “manageable” disruptions (like maintenance or staffing issues) and often have that effect. Are not Applicable when bad weather affects travel.

This is place one Travel credit cards offer travel insurance can be useful, helping you offset unexpected expenses when a flight crashes and leaves you stranded. One catch: In most cases, you’ll typically need to book your travel with that card to make a successful claim.

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