Topline

The tail end of a major snow system is expected to dump snow in the Northeast and Central Appalachians, major airlines are allowing some travelers to rebook their flights without incurring a fee.

Key Facts

American Airlines has a travel alert covering 30 airports throughout the Midwest for travel Thursday.

Delta Air Lines has issued a travel advisory covering 25 airports in the Upper Midwest, including Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway.

United Airlines has a travel alert covering 25 Midwest airports.

Spirit Airlines has issued a travel advisory covering eight airports in the Midwest.

JetBlue Airways has also issued a travel advisory, covering just three airports: Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit.

Key Background

Winter Storm Iliana is expected to bring heavy snow to New England and an ice storm to Central Appalachians on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Major U.S. airlines are issuing travel waivers allowing passengers flying in or out of impacted airports to rebook without paying the fare difference. For consumers looking to change travel plans or recoup travel expenses, much will depend upon the airline, itinerary and, in some cases, whether a travel insurance policy was purchased.

What To Watch For

Travelers ticketed to fly Thursday may encounter flight delays and cancellations even if they are not traveling through areas impacted by the storm. Flights in late afternoon of both days are more likely to be disrupted.

Tangent

Most flight disruptions in the U.S. are weather-related. Yesterday, over 8,100 flights were delayed or canceled due to the same winter storm system. Last week, Winter Storm Freya led to more than 5,000 flight delays and cancellations. Over a two-day period in early January, Winter Storm Blair disrupted more than 22,000 flights.

Further Reading

5 Essential Apps When You’re Facing Flight Delays Or Cancellations (Forbes)

Southwest Was The Least Likely Airline To Cancel Your Flight In 2024 (Forbes)

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