Key Facts
- ✓ The National Weather Service expects heavy snow accumulations between six and nine inches in the NYC area.
- ✓ Approximately 1,400 flights in the US have been canceled and over 5,100 delayed as of 2:20 p.m. ET.
- ✓ Airlines must refund canceled flights in cash, but are not required to compensate for weather-related delays.
- ✓ JetBlue, Delta, and Southwest have waived fare differences for changes to flights around the New York metropolitan area.
Quick Summary
A major winter storm is currently impacting the Northeast, causing widespread travel disruptions for thousands of passengers. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for areas around New York City, extending into Connecticut and New Jersey, with expected snow accumulations of six to nine inches.
As a result, airlines have delayed or canceled thousands of flights. As of 2:20 p.m. ET, approximately 1,400 flights in the US have been canceled, with over 5,100 flights delayed. Major travel hubs including New York's John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty airports are heavily affected. This disruption coincides with a peak travel period, with AAA projecting over 8 million Americans flying domestically during the holidays.
Travelers facing disruptions should understand their rights. While airlines must refund canceled flights in cash, they are not legally required to compensate passengers for delays caused by weather. However, carriers like JetBlue, Delta, and Southwest are offering solutions such as waived fare differences. Passengers are encouraged to use airline apps for rebooking, inquire about meal vouchers, and check their credit card benefits for travel insurance coverage.
Understanding Passenger Rights During Weather Events
When a flight is disrupted due to a winter storm, knowing your rights is the first step to managing the situation. According to the Department of Transportation, there is no federal law requiring US airlines to compensate passengers for disruptions caused by uncontrollable events, such as weather or air traffic control delays.
However, there is one strict rule carriers must follow regarding refunds. If an airline cancels a flight, they must provide a refund to the customer, even for non-controllable events. This refund must be issued in cash or the original form of payment, not merely travel credits or vouchers. This refund also applies to any add-ons purchased, such as baggage fees or seat selections.
It is important to note that airlines do not owe meals, hotel rooms, or financial compensation for storm-related cancellations. Passengers are entitled to a refund or rebooking on the same airline, but carriers are not required to provide accommodations or book travelers on other airlines. If you are traveling and face a disruption, ask the airline for the reason in writing to determine what you are entitled to. For disruptions the airline controls, such as maintenance issues, the DoT's Airline Customer Service Dashboard outlines specific promises from the 10 largest US airlines.
Rebooking Strategies and Contact Methods
During widespread disruptions, customer service lines and phone centers become overwhelmed quickly. Wait times can be long, and alternative flight options disappear rapidly. To avoid this, monitor your airline's app or website for rebooking options. Many carriers allow customers to adjust flights online and waive change fees, making digital rebooking faster than standing in line.
If online options are exhausted, have a backup plan. You can wait to speak with a live agent, contact the airline via social media, or book a hotel for the night. Direct messaging on platforms like Facebook or Twitter can sometimes serve as a virtual placeholder, allowing you to hear back via chat before speaking to an agent.
For travelers needing to call, here are the contact numbers for major airlines:
Requesting Vouchers and Insurance Claims
While weather delays do not legally require compensation, asking for assistance can sometimes yield results. For controllable delays—situations where the airline is at fault—several carriers offer meal or hotel vouchers if a customer waits at least three hours or requires an overnight stay.
According to the DoT dashboard, airlines offering both meal and hotel accommodations for controllable disruptions include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Frontier Airlines offers meal vouchers but not hotel accommodations. Even if the disruption is uncontrollable (like a storm), it never hurts to request a meal or hotel voucher as a goodwill gesture.
Additionally, travelers should check if their credit card offers travel insurance. Cards such as Chase's Sapphire Reserve or American Express' Platinum Card often include trip protection. If a flight was purchased with these cards, cardholders may be reimbursed for unexpected expenses like hotel stays and meals. However, coverage varies by policy, so checking the specific terms is recommended.
When to Consider Alternatives
During the holidays, the goal is to reach your destination to see family or enjoy a getaway. However, delays are inevitable. It is important to set a cut-off time for waiting on a specific flight. Once that time passes, consider alternative transportation methods.
Renting a car or taking a train or bus may be viable options to reach your destination. Some travel insurance policies may cover these alternative costs if they are necessary due to a cancellation. If you are stuck in a city with no other options, decide how to spend your time effectively, whether that means waiting at the airport or securing a hotel room.
