Airlines are bracing for the biggest winter storm so far this season.
Forecasters predict that accumulating snow and ice could affect large swaths of the country later this week and into the weekend.
AccuWeather warned on Wednesday that the Arctic explosion would cause “widespread and severe impacts” and was expected to disrupt travel from Texas and Oklahoma to major East Coast cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington and the Northeast.
If these predictions come true, expect massive flight cancellations and cascading delays throughout the weekend.
Airline travel advisories in effect
Airlines are ready.
On Wednesday, major airlines issued travel advisories that give passengers more flexibility to cancel, change or rebook their trips — even if they’re flying basic economy fares, which are often restricted.
Most exemptions cover dozens of cities, including many of the nation’s largest hubs.
Delta Air Lines said on Wednesday it was “closely monitoring” forecasts that could have a significant impact on its hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the world’s busiest airport.
The following is a list of exemptions issued by the four major U.S. carriers:
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I expect airlines to start preemptively canceling flights in the coming days pending updated weather forecasts.
Also, keep in mind: Even if you don’t book a flight to, from or through a city expected to be hit by a winter storm, your trip may not be unscathed. Given the size of this storm system and the likelihood that many of the nation’s largest hub airports could be affected, there’s a good chance that damage could spread across much of the country.
What you need to know if you’re flying this week
If you’re traveling in the next few days, here’s what you need to know:
Start reviewing your backup options now
If I booked a flight between Friday and Sunday, I would definitely consider backup options.
I’m no meteorologist, but conditions are looking pretty dangerous right now for much of the United States, from Texas and the Deep South to the East Coast.
Flight canceled or delayed? This is what to do next
Thanks to travel exemptions (listed above), you have more flexibility to reschedule your trip, fly earlier, or postpone your trip.
Specific policies vary from airline to airline, but in general, when these advisories are issued, airlines tend to waive many of the restrictions typically associated with changing itineraries.
Use the airline app!
Wait times by phone are expected to increase in the coming days as travelers en masse change flights.
Luckily, many airlines will let you make travel changes directly within their mobile apps, which can take a lot of the hassle out of travel woes.
You can rebook (or cancel) your trip with just a few taps, saving you long wait times.
New Feature This Week: American Airlines enhances its mobile app with new rebooking, baggage tracking technology
Remember: Refund rules still apply
If your flight is canceled or severely delayed And you choose not to travelyou are entitled to a refund for the unused portion of your ticket.
This is the policy of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
It doesn’t matter if the cancellation or delay is due to weather. If this happens – if you decide to stay home and not fly… or drive… or take the train – you will get a refund.
On the other hand: if you agree to take a later flight (even if it’s much later), you’ll usually no A refund is owed.
Learn more: Getting a refund for a canceled or delayed flight: What you need to know
Airlines may be here no help you
Will the airline give you a meal voucher or pay for your hotel stay? If you’re stuck because of this winter storm, it’s unlikely.
Airlines have pledged to provide certain services such as hotel accommodations, meals and ground transportation when travelers are stranded due to flight failures. But in most cases, these guarantees cover problems with the flight that are the airline’s fault (such as maintenance).
Weather generally does not fall into this category.
How to get your life back if you’re stuck
If you do get stuck, keep your receipts.
Some travel credit cards have built-in travel insurance protection that can help reimburse you for hotel, dining, and other expenses if you get stuck somewhere.
The most common caveat: You usually only get paid if you book a trip with the card.
Keep in mind that specific terms and protections vary between cards and policies, so check your card’s benefit description to see if you can make a claim.
TPG Favorites: 10 Best Credit Cards with Travel Insurance
Be prepared to be patient
Finally, if you decide to travel this weekend, be aware that airports can be a bit troublesome and disruptions are expected.
Given current forecasts, it seems likely that flight delays and cancellations will occur in significant numbers.
I’ll certainly be mulling over my Plan B and Plan C, or thinking about a nice weekend watching football with a hot bowl of chili.
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