Powerful Winter Storm Causes Thousands of Flight Delays and Cancellations: Here Is What to Know

    As one of the heaviest winter storms of the season continue to blanket large parts of the United States, thousands of flights are being delayed or canceled, as of Saturday evening.

    As of Saturday, thousands of flights face delays or cancellations as a major winter storm grips much of the United States.
    As of Saturday, thousands of flights face delays or cancellations as a major winter storm grips much of the United States.

    The massive winter storm gripping a large swath of the nation, from the Southwest to the Mid-Atlantic, has created major travel disruptions. As of Saturday morning, more than 3,000 flights in or out of the United States have been canceled, according to FlightAware

    • Total delays today: 11,854
    • Total delays within, into, or out of the United States today: 1,427
    • Total cancellations today: 3,801
    • Total cancellations within, into, or out of the United States today: 3,480

    Airlines began preemptively canceling flights ahead of the storm’s impacts in an effort to reduce travel chaos over the weekend. As of about 9 a.m. Saturday, Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport recorded the highest number of cancellations in the country. Nearly 6,000 scheduled flights have already been canceled for Sunday.

    More Flight Cancellations Expected

    Flight cancellations are expected to rise as the snow and ice storm spreads across the country. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and make use of available airline waivers.

    Delta Air Lines has announced schedule adjustments and issued travel waivers, advising travelers to take advantage of the options available. The airline is urging customers traveling this weekend in affected areas to reschedule their flights before or after the storm due to anticipated cancellations.

    Winter Storm waivers remain in effect through Monday, Jan. 26, which provide flexibility for customers to adjust their travel plans at no additional cost in the Delta app or at Delta.com. Delta works to give customers as much notice as possible about changes to their flights and is taking proactive actions to minimize disruption and aid in recovery efforts.

    Delta posted on its website that the airline will continue making schedule adjustments as the winter storm impacts travel across the nation. The update notes that the airline is closely monitoring the storm and will notify customers of any changes to flights, cancellations, or rebooking options as conditions change.

    Delta continues to make schedule adjustments due to Winter Storm Fern with additional cancellations this morning for Atlanta and along the East Coast, including Delta hubs in Boston and New York City. Ice accumulation is expected to impact Atlanta on Sunday, Jan. 25 along with significant snowfall in the Northeast beginning Sunday afternoon.

    If you are traveling, keep checking flight updates and review available options for rebooking or adjustments. Passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations may be eligible for alternative flights or a full refund, including any fees or checked baggage charges, depending on the length of the delay and itinerary.