Major U.S. airlines are proactively issuing travel waivers in anticipation of severe disruptions caused by Winter Storm Fern. This significant weather event is expected to impact a vast swath of the country, bringing heavy snow, ice, and plunging temperatures to the South, Midwest, and Northeast starting on January 23, 2024. Forecasts indicate that approximately 230 million people may be affected, raising concerns about widespread flight cancellations and delays over the weekend.
In response, airlines are encouraging travelers to adjust their plans without incurring penalties. Notably, travel agency Hopper Technology Solutions (HTS) reported a 17% increase in customers purchasing its “Disruption Assistance” policy for the weekend. This policy allows travelers to rebook on the next available flight, regardless of the airline.
Airline Responses to the Storm
American Airlines has issued an alert for travelers affected by the storm, allowing them to change their flights without incurring change fees. This waiver applies to passengers flying to, through, or from 34 U.S. airports who booked tickets prior to January 19 for travel between January 23 and January 25. Changes must be made by January 25, and customers are reminded that they cannot alter their origin or destination cities. All travel must be completed within one year of the original ticket date.
Delta Air Lines is similarly offering flexibility. The airline encourages customers with flights scheduled across Texas, the Southeast, and the Northeast from Friday through Sunday to rebook their tickets without fees. Delta stated, “To help customers manage their travel plans and minimize disruptions, we are offering flexibility for existing bookings.” Notifications will be sent to affected customers via text or email.
Frontier Airlines also announced that it will waive change and cancellation fees for flights affected by the winter storm, provided customers do not change their origin and destination cities. However, customers will be responsible for any fare differences.
JetBlue has implemented a waiver allowing customers to rebook or cancel flights to or from a dozen cities without penalty, as long as original travel plans were made before January 22.
Spirit Airlines is also responding to the storm with a travel waiver, allowing customers to rebook weekend flights for travel through January 28 without incurring fare differences.
Southwest Airlines has cautioned customers with flights scheduled between January 23 and January 26 that they may face delays, diversions, or cancellations. Travelers during this period may rebook without a change in airfare. Meanwhile, United Airlines has announced that customers who purchased tickets before January 20 for travel between January 24 and January 26 can reschedule trips with waived change fees and fare differences. Restrictions apply, including that new flights must depart between January 21 and January 28 and remain between the same cities originally booked.
With the storm expected to disrupt travel plans significantly, airlines are taking steps to ease the burden on affected travelers. As conditions develop, passengers are urged to stay informed and consider adjusting their travel arrangements accordingly.