Winter storm cancels 30% of all US flights: What to know
Travel delays are all but certain for passengers at some of the nation’s busiest airports as a massive winter storm brings crippling ice, snow and bitter temperatures to 180 million people.
If you haven’t changed your travel plans yet, you may want to do so before your scheduled flight time.
Flight cancellations
By the numbers:
More than 13,500 flights have been canceled across the U.S. since Saturday, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. About 9,600 of those were scheduled for Sunday. Aviation analytics company Cirium says its data shows that Sunday will be the highest cancellation event since the pandemic, with over 29% of all U.S. departing flights axed.
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport warned travelers on its website of widespread flight cancellations. Nearly all of its departing flights scheduled for the day — 414 flights, or 97% — have been canceled.
FILE - A stranded passenger is seen at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the United States, on Dec. 26, 2025. (Photo by Zhang Fengguo/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Significant disruptions were also expected at major airport hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Atlanta, home to the nation’s busiest airport, as well as New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.
American Airlines had canceled over 1,400 flights for Sunday, according to FlightAware. Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines each reported about 1,000 cancellations for the day, while United Airlines had more than 800. JetBlue had more than 560 canceled flights, accounting for roughly 70% of its schedule for the day.
What if my flight is canceled?
Big picture view:
If your flight is canceled, airlines will book you on another flight, but if multiple flights are canceled because of weather it may be a problem. Sometimes, they’ll partner with competing airlines to offer seats on other flights when the airline you’re flying with can’t accommodate.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you are entitled to a refund if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed – regardless of the reason – but only if you choose not to travel or accept travel credits, vouchers or other forms of compensation offered by the airline.
Millions under winter weather alerts nationwide
A massive and potentially historic winter storm is sweeping across the U.S., threatening over 245 million people from Arizona to Maine with heavy snow, crippling ice, and prolonged, life-threatening travel conditions through the weekend. Alex Pellom with Tennessee Emergency Management weighs in.
If you want to rebook your flight, do it as soon as you learn your flight is delayed or canceled. Try re-booking it quickly online, with the app or at the kiosk. If the airline’s phone number is backlogged, try calling through the international number – according to The Points Guy. If that doesn’t work, then try a ticketing agent. Speed is your friend here.
RELATED: What to do if your flight gets canceled due to winter storms
Travel waivers
Dig deeper:
The following airlines are offering travel waivers ahead of this weekend’s winter storm. This allows passengers to rebook their flights without penalty.
American Airlines
Passengers with flights to, from or through certain airports between Jan. 23-25 may rebook without penalty. The tickets must have been purchased on or before Jan. 19 and all changes must be made by Jan. 25 for travel by Jan. 28. Details can be found on the American Airlines website.
Delta Air Lines
Passengers with flights to, from or through certain airports between Jan. 23-25 may rebook without penalty. New flights must be booked by Jan. 28 for travel no later than Jan. 28. More details can be found on Delta's website.
United Airlines
Passengers traveling to, from or through certain airports in Texas between Jan. 23-25 with a ticket purchased on or before Jan. 20 can reschedule their flight. The new flight must be on or before Jan. 29. More details can be found on United's website.
Spirit Airlines
Passengers traveling to, from or through certain airports between Jan. 23-25 can reschedule their flight. The new flight must be on or before Jan. 28. More details can be found on Spirit's website.
Southwest Airlines
Passengers traveling to, from or through certain airports between Jan. 23-26 can reschedule their flight. The new flight must be within 14 days of the original travel date. More details can be found on Southwest's website.
Will I get reimbursed for a hotel or food?
No. Airlines will not provide a hotel, food or other reimbursements if a delay or cancellation is due to weather, which is considered outside the airline's control.
The Source: This article includes information from the U.S. Department of Transportation, FOX Weather, The Associated Press, various U.S. airline websites and previous FOX Local reporting. FOX’s Steven Ardary contributed.