Winter storm already disrupting U.S. travel as airlines cancel thousands of flights
Airlines across the United States are bracing for a major winter storm that is expected to bring a mix of ice, snow, and frigid temperatures to a large portion of the country this weekend. As a result, thousands of flights have been canceled in anticipation of the severe weather conditions.
Delta Air Lines announced on Thursday that flight cancellations were necessary at select airports in North Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee to prioritize the safety of passengers and staff. According to FlightAware, a flight tracking service, a total of 578 flights had been canceled in the U.S. by 5:15 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, with an additional 2,500 flights already canceled for Saturday. The majority of these cancellations are concentrated at Texas airports, with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport facing 1,224 cancellations scheduled for Saturday.
American Airlines, which operates a hub at DFW, has responded to the situation by adding 17 extra flights on Friday and Sunday to accommodate the influx of travelers affected by the cancellations. Dallas airport officials have issued a winter weather advisory urging passengers to stay informed about road conditions, check their flight status with the airline before heading to the airport, and monitor updates on the airport’s official website.
Major U.S. airlines have implemented travel waivers in anticipation of the storm, allowing customers to change their travel plans without incurring penalties. Delta has issued a travel waiver for the eastern U.S., including cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, in addition to a previous waiver covering central and southeastern states. American Airlines has also offered travel flexibility, allowing passengers flying to, through, or from 34 U.S. airports to change their flights for free if they purchased tickets before January 19 and are traveling between January 23 and 25. Customers must adhere to certain restrictions, such as maintaining the same origin and destination cities, and make any changes by January 25.
