Major U.S. airlines are implementing travel waivers in response to the impending Winter Storm Fern, which is forecasted to disrupt travel across the country. The storm, set to impact the South, Midwest, and Northeast beginning on January 23, 2024, could affect up to 230 million people. With heavy snow, ice, and cold conditions expected, airlines are preparing for significant flight cancellations and delays over the weekend.
Travelers are encouraged to check their flight status and may change their travel plans without penalty. Many airlines are allowing customers to reschedule flights or cancel reservations as they brace for the impact of the storm.
Airline Responses to Winter Storm Fern
American Airlines has issued an alert, allowing travelers affected by the storm to modify their itineraries without incurring change fees. Passengers with tickets purchased prior to January 19, 2024, for travel between January 23 and January 25 can make adjustments to their flights from 34 U.S. airports. However, changes must be made by January 25, and customers cannot alter their origin or destination cities.
Delta Air Lines is also advising customers to take advantage of its flexible change policy. The airline has stated that travelers with existing bookings for flights across Texas, the Southeast, and the Northeast from January 23 through January 26 can rebook their tickets for no additional fees. Delta plans to notify affected customers via a one-time text or email.
Budget airline Frontier Airlines is waiving change and cancellation fees for affected flights, provided travelers do not change their origin or destination. Customers will be responsible for any fare differences that may arise from rescheduling.
JetBlue has introduced a waiver for flights to and from a dozen cities, allowing travelers to rebook or cancel without penalty if their original plans were made before January 22. Similarly, Spirit Airlines has issued a travel waiver permitting customers to rebook weekend flights through January 28 without incurring fare differences.
Southwest Airlines has cautioned customers traveling between January 23 and January 26 that their flights may face delays, diversions, or cancellations. Passengers with reservations during this period can rebook without paying a change fee.
Lastly, United Airlines is offering customers who purchased tickets before January 20 for travel from January 24 to January 26 the opportunity to reschedule their trips. Change fees and fare differences will be waived, but new flights must depart between January 21 and January 28 and remain between the same cities of the original bookings.
Travelers are urged to stay informed as conditions evolve and to consider purchasing travel protection plans, as seen by a reported 17% increase in the sale of “Disruption Assistance” policies by Hopper Technology Solutions. These policies enable customers to rebook on the next available flight, irrespective of the airline.
As Winter Storm Fern approaches, airlines are taking proactive measures to assist customers and minimize disruption during a potentially chaotic travel weekend.
