UPDATE: Major U.S. airlines are urgently issuing travel waivers as Winter Storm Fern is set to disrupt travel plans for an estimated 230 million people starting January 23, 2025. This massive winter storm promises heavy snow, ice, and extreme cold across the South, Midwest, and Northeast, leading to widespread travel disruptions over the weekend.
Forecasts indicate significant flight cancellations and delays as the storm approaches. Airlines are proactively responding by allowing customers to change their travel plans without penalties, a critical move as travelers brace for the impact of the storm.
Here’s how major airlines are responding:
American Airlines
American Airlines has issued a travel alert for passengers affected by the storm. Customers holding tickets to, through, or from 34 U.S. airports can change their flights for free if their tickets were purchased before January 19 and are booked for travel between January 23 and January 25. Changes must be made by January 25, and while origin and destination cities cannot be altered, travel must be completed within one year of the original ticket date.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is encouraging travelers to utilize its flexible change policy. Passengers with flights across Texas, the Southeast, and Northeast from January 23 to 26 can rebook their tickets for travel on or before January 28 without incurring fees. Delta will notify impacted customers via text or email.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is waiving change and cancellation fees for flights affected by the storm, provided customers do not alter their origin and destination cities. However, any fare differences will still be the responsibility of travelers.
JetBlue
JetBlue has announced a waiver for customers looking to rebook or cancel flights to or from a dozen cities, as long as original plans were made before January 22.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is also participating in the travel waiver, allowing rebookings for weekend flights through January 28 without charging fare differences.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has cautioned customers traveling between January 23 and 26 that their flights may face delays, diversions, or cancellations. Affected travelers can rebook without incurring change fees.
United Airlines
United Airlines is allowing customers who purchased tickets before January 20 for travel between January 24 and 26 to reschedule their trips with waived change fees and fare differences. New flights must depart between January 21 and 28 and remain between the same cities originally booked.
As travelers prepare for potential disruptions, the demand for travel insurance is surging. Hopper Technology Solutions reports a 17% increase in purchases of its “Disruption Assistance” policy, allowing travelers to rebook on the next available flight without regard to the airline.
With severe weather expected to impact millions, travelers are urged to stay informed and check their airlines for the latest updates. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as the storm approaches.
