NEWS: Experts Warn That Winter Storm Could Impact Travel This Weekend

If you’re in America right now, you’ve probably spent the week preparing for a major winter storm. Across the southern United States, we are clearing out the grocery stores, making warm meals, and getting cozy as the weather heads our way.

If you’re traveling or even just staying right at home, you need to be prepared for how this storm could impact you for the next few days. We’re breaking down what you need to know right here!

A widespread winter storm is expected to hit this weekend, and airlines are already preparing their customers for changes to their travel plans. According to FOX, U.S. airlines have already announced travel waivers ahead of the anticipated snow, ice, and more dangerous weather. 

This weekend’s weather is expected to be a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, which could potentially lead to power outages and damage across the dozens of states that will be impacted. CBS News estimates that this storm will impact roughly 177 million people, with temperatures dropping to the lowest we’ve seen in years.

Dan DePodwin, vice president of forecasting operations at AccuWeather, said, “This will likely result in thousands of flight cancellations on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.” FOX estimates that roughly 15,000 flights could be delayed. We have already seen some cancellations from Delta Air Lines on Thursday, January 22nd, in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

Delta shared that they would rebook customers to the next best flight itinerary and that they would also offer flexibility to anyone needing to change their travel plans with no fees. Southwest Airlines has also said it is anticipating “disruptions across parts of the South and East,” and it will also offer flexibility for customers.

American Airlines is offering the same options, while United Airlines issued a waiver for flights that will be impacted. JetBlue also issued a waiver for the Northeast and shared that it will “waive change and cancel fees for customers traveling to and from 11 cities.”

Frontier Airlines passengers can request a refund if their flights are canceled or delayed for more than 3 hours with domestic flights or 6 hours for international flights. Spirit Airlines also shared they would waive change charges or fare differences for 13 different cities between Friday, the 23rd, and Sunday, the 25th.

If you are traveling this weekend, it’s important to monitor your flight closely and to be aware of your rights. If your flight is canceled, different airlines have different policies, but we’ve complied the information you need right here. Even if you aren’t in the area impacted directly by the storm, your flight could still be impacted by the delays and cancellations across the country.

If you’re staying at home to avoid this weather, be prepared for possible power outages! For those on our team in this area of the country, we’ve made sure to grab our shelf-stable foods (especially protein), batteries for flashlights, clean blankets, heaters, and water. While the cold brings a lot of issues, the ice and potential power outages present the real danger. Be sure to keep following AllEars for more travel and weather updates.

What Do Airlines Owe Me If My Flight Is Canceled?

 

 

Tell us if you’re prepared for this weather in the comments!

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