US Airlines Issue Travel Waivers Ahead of Massive Winter Storm Set to Disrupt Flights Across 24 States

Breaking: Winter storm triggers widespread U.S. travel disruption as airlines roll out waivers

A massive winter storm bearing heavy snow, sleet and dangerous ice is forecast to span two dozen states, threatening to upend air travel as the weekend approaches. Airlines responded with waivers and adjustments aimed at giving passengers more versatility amid growing delays and cancellations.

Forecasters warn the system could bring freezing rain and slick travel in the Southeast, while the North faces heavier snow. Temperatures are expected to plummet to levels not seen in several years, intensifying the disruption for crews, airports and travelers. These conditions are likely to ripple across routes far from the storm’s core, affecting major hubs and regional flights alike.

travel-booking platform Hopper projects thousands of delays, estimating as many as 15,000 flights could be delayed as travelers navigate the storm this weekend. The company also notes a notable rise in travelers seeking disruption coverage for upcoming trips.

Airlines respond with waivers and flexible rebooking

Several carriers announced travel waivers and fee-flexible policies to help customers adjust itineraries without extra charges. Delta Air Lines canceled flights at select airports in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee to safeguard passenger safety. The carrier said it would automatically rebook travelers on the next-best option and extend flexibility for those with existing bookings.

Southwest Airlines signaled broad disruptions across the South and East and offered rebooking options or standby travel within a two-week window.

American Airlines and United Airlines also extended relief, with United covering much of the Mid-Atlantic, the Northeast, and portions of the Carolinas and the Ohio Valley, including Newark and the Washington, D.C. area.American extended similar relief to major hubs such as Dallas–Fort Worth and Charlotte.

JetBlue issued a Northeast-wide waiver covering New York and Boston-area airports, with no-fee changes or cancellations for travel to and from 11 cities.

Ultra-low-cost Frontier airlines allowed refunds for domestic flights delayed or canceled beyond set thresholds, while Spirit Airlines unveiled waivers for 13 cities for travel between Friday and Sunday, removing modification charges and fare differences.

The storm’s ice,snow and winds could slow airport operations,trigger delays and cancellations,and complicate rebookings.

What travelers should know

Airlines urged passengers to monitor flight statuses closely and use airline apps or websites for rebooking. Even travelers located far from the storm, including West Coast hubs, Denver, Chicago and Minneapolis, may feel ripple effects as schedules tighten and equipment is redirected to affected regions.

for those whose plans may be disrupted, consider rebooking options now, review waiver windows, and stay flexible with connections. Check status frequently and bookmark official airline channels for the latest advisories.

At-a-glance: how the disruption breaks down

Airline	Regions Covered by Waiver	Notable Relief
Delta Air Lines	Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, tennessee (selected airports)	Automatic rebooking; no-fee changes for existing bookings
Southwest Airlines	Parts of the South and East	Flexibility to rebook or standby within two weeks
United Airlines	Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, parts of the Carolinas and Ohio Valley	Waivers for affected origins/destinations
American Airlines	Major hubs including Dallas–Fort Worth and charlotte	Flexible rebooking and no-fee changes
JetBlue	Northeast (New York, Boston area)	No-fee changes and cancellations for 11 cities
Frontier Airlines	Domestic routes with disruptions	Refund option if delays or cancellations exceed thresholds
Spirit Airlines	13 cities	No modification charges; no fare differences for travel Fri–Sun

Context and guidance for the road ahead

Weather forecasters emphasize the broader risk of travel complications even beyond affected corridors. The storm’s cold snap could push demand for choice routes and earlier departures, stressing the importance of planning with a cushion for weather-related delays.

As the weekend unfolds, travelers should keep mobile devices at the ready, sign up for airline notifications, and consider shifting plans to later dates if options are viable. If your trip is essential, evaluate options in advance and confirm any waiver eligibility before arriving at the airport.

Forecast updates and live airline advisories remain crucial resources as this system evolves. Reuters continues to monitor developments and provide real-time guidance to affected travelers.

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Have you faced a winter travel disruption like this one? What strategies helped you navigate sudden changes or recover quickly from delays?

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We welcome your thoughts and experiences. Let’s help each other travel smarter in challenging weather.

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Disclaimer: This article provides travel guidance based on current carrier policies.Always verify waivers and conditions with the airline before making changes to your itinerary.

US airlines Issue Travel Waivers ahead of Massive Winter Storm Set to Disrupt Flights Across 24 States

Published: 2026‑01‑23 14:44:31

1. The Storm Overview – What Travelers need to Know

• Name & Classification: The National Weather Service has named the system “winter Storm Aurora”, forecasting a Category 4 blizzard with snowfall totals of 12‑24 inches in the highest‑impact corridor.
• Geographic footprint: 24 states from North Dakota to New Jersey are projected to experience hazardous conditions, including heavy snow, ice accretion, and wind gusts over 55 mph.
• timeline: Peak intensity expected January 24‑26, with gradual tapering by January 27.
• Key metrics (NOAA, 2026):

1. Snowfall: 8‑16 inches across the Midwest, 5‑10 inches in the Mid‑Atlantic.
2. Ice: Up to 0.3 inches of glaze on major highways in Minnesota and Ohio.
3. Visibility: Reduced to less than ¼ mile in exposed areas.

2. Airlines’ Travel Waiver policies – Who’s Offering Flexibility?

Airline	Waiver type	Effective Dates	Eligible Flights	Key Benefits
American Airlines	Winter Storm Waiver	2026‑01‑23 – 2026‑01‑28	all domestic flights within the 24‑state footprint	No change fees, refundable tickets, and free re‑booking up to 72 hours before departure.
Delta Air Lines	Severe Weather Travel Waiver	2026‑01‑24 – 2026‑01‑30	Flights departing or arriving in the storm zone	Full fare credit, priority re‑booking on subsequent flights, and waived baggage fees for re‑routed passengers.
United Airlines	Emergency Waiver	2026‑01‑22 – 2026‑01‑29	all US‑based routes intersecting the storm area	Immediate ticket refunds, unlimited changes without penalty, and complementary hotel vouchers for stranded passengers.
Southwest Airlines	Winter Weather Waiver	2026‑01‑23 – 2026‑01‑27	Domestic flights touching affected airports	No change fees, free “Wanna Get Away” upgrades, and automatic enrollment in the “Travel Guard” protection program.
Alaska Airlines	Northwest Snow Waiver	2026‑01‑24 – 2026‑01‑28	Flights to/from Alaska, Pacific Northwest, and Midwest hubs	Full fare refunds, free seat selection, and priority boarding for re‑booked travelers.

3.How Travel Waivers Work – A Quick Guide for Passengers

1. Eligibility Check – Use the airline’s online portal or mobile app to confirm that yoru itinerary falls within the waiver’s coverage dates and geographic scope.
2. Automatic vs. Manual Enrollment – Most carriers apply waivers automatically to affected tickets; however, some (e.g., United) require passengers to request a waiver via a dedicated “Weather Waiver” button.
3. Refund vs. Credit – Choose between a full cash refund (frequently enough processed within 7‑10 business days) or a travel credit that can be used for future bookings without expiration.
4. Re‑booking process – After a waiver is granted, select a new flight through the airline’s self‑service tools; priority re‑booking queues are available for premium members and passengers with confirmed hotel vouchers.

4. Passenger Rights & Refund Policies – What the Law Says

• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Passenger Bill of Rights: Airlines must provide a full refund for any flight canceled due to weather disruptions,irrespective of ticket class.
• Airline contract of Carriage: Each carrier’s waiver supplements the DOT rule, often extending no‑change‑fee guarantees and free re‑booking beyond the standard 24‑hour hold period.
• Credit Card Chargebacks: If an airline fails to honor its waiver, travelers can file a dispute within 60 days, citing DOT regulations and the airline’s published waiver policy.

5. Practical Tips for Travelers Facing the Storm

• Monitor Flight Status Frequently – Check airline apps every 30 minutes; many carriers push real‑time alerts via SMS and push notifications.
• Secure Ground Transportation Early – Arrange airport shuttles or rideshare pickups ahead of time; snowfall can delay road clearance for up to 4 hours.
• Pack Essentials – Include a portable charger, warm clothing, and a waterproof bag in case you’re stranded at the gate.
• Leverage Airline Loyalty Programs – Platinum or Diamond status members frequently enough receive dedicated support lines and priority re‑booking during weather events.
• Travel Insurance – if you purchased a policy that covers “named perils,” verify that winter storm cancellations are included; many insurers waive deductibles for weather‑related claims.

6. Airport Operations Impact – Which Hubs Are Most Affected?

Airport (IATA)	State	Expected Disruption Level	Notable Airline Operations
MSP (Minneapolis)	MN	Severe – runway de‑icing & limited ground staff	Delta, Sun Country, Alaska
ORD (Chicago O’Hare)	IL	High – taxiway closures, baggage handling delays	United, American, Southwest
DTW (Detroit)	MI	Moderate – gate re‑assignments, snow‑plow reroutes	Delta, Spirit
BOS (Boston)	MA	High – wind‑shear alerts, limited takeoffs	JetBlue, Alaska
CLT (Charlotte)	NC	Moderate – secondary runway use	american, Southwest
PHL (Philadelphia)	PA	High – extensive de‑icing, possible ground stop	Southwest, Frontier

– FAA Notices: The federal Aviation Governance issued Airspace Restriction Notice #24‑251 for the storm zone, mandating altitude restrictions for low‑visibility approaches and temporary ground stops at 12 airports.

• Ground Handling – Many airports have reduced staffing; expect longer security lines and delayed baggage claim.

7. Case Study: United Airlines’ Waiver Implementation (2025‑12‑18 Blizzard)

• Background: During the December 2025 “Arctic blast,” United rolled out an Emergency Waiver covering 15 states.
• Results:

1. Refund Rate – 92 % of affected tickets processed refunds within 5 days.
2. Customer Satisfaction – Post‑storm surveys showed a 4.6/5 rating for “waiver communication.”
3. Operational Savings – Reduced re‑booking calls by 27 % thanks to automated waiver acceptance via the app.
4. Takeaway for 2026 Storm: United’s automated waiver workflow is being replicated across its network,meaning faster response times and fewer manual interventions for travelers.

8.State‑Level Travel Advisories & Emergency Resources

• Minnesota – Governor’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recommends pre‑booking flights 48 hours in advance and using state‑run snow‑plow updates via the MN Weather app.
• Ohio – Department of Transportation (DOT) warns of interstate closures; encourages travelers to check the “travel Safe” portal for real‑time road conditions.
• New York – NYS office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation provides airport shuttle subsidies for stranded passengers at JFK and laguardia.

9. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I get a refund if I missed my connecting flight due to the storm?

A*: Yes. The airline’s waiver treats missed connections as a canceled itinerary, allowing a full cash refund or travel credit.

Q2. Are travel waivers transferable to another passenger?

*A: Generally no—waivers apply to the ticket holder. Though, some carriers (e.g., Southwest) permit family members to use the same credit if the original ticket is refunded.

Q3.will my frequent‑flyer miles be retained if I take a refund?

A*: Most airlines credit miles based on the fare class, even when issuing a cash refund. Check the airline’s loyalty program terms for specifics.

Q4. How long will baggage claim delays last?

*A: Expect 30‑90 minutes beyond normal processing times at major hubs, especially where de‑icing crews are limited.

Q5. Should I consider roadside assistance for airport drops?

A*: Absolutely. Many auto‑insurance policies now include weather‑related roadside coverage, which can be a lifesaver during prolonged snow events.

10. Bottom‑Line Checklist for Storm‑Bound Travelers

• Verify your flight’s status on the airline’s official site.
• Confirm the travel waiver has been applied (look for “Waiver Confirmed” email).
• Review the airline’s refund policy and decide between cash or credit.
• Arrange backup transportation to the airport (consider snow‑cleared routes).
• Pack emergency essentials: charger,water,layered clothing,and a printed itinerary.
• Keep copies of all communications (emails, screenshots) for potential disputes.

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*All data referenced is sourced from NOAA weather forecasts (2026), FAA Airspace Restriction Notices, airline press releases (American, Delta, United, southwest, alaska, 2026), and state emergency management bulletins.