A snowstorm is currently impacting the interior mid-Atlantic and much of New England, causing disruptions to travel plans. As of 7:00 p.m. ET, approximately 820 U.S. flights have been canceled, with an additional 5,859 delayed. United Airlines is the most affected, accounting for 257 cancellations, which is about 9% of its schedule. This could be related to the Federal Aviation Administration’s order grounding Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, as United operates 79 of these planes. Alaska Airlines, with 65 MAX 9 aircraft, has the second-highest number of cancellations at 163, or about 21% of its schedule.
If your flights are affected by the weather, it’s essential to understand your rights, as you may be entitled to compensation or a refund, depending on the situation.
The Department of Transportation provides an airline customer service dashboard outlining legally binding commitments by airlines. Generally, if your flight is canceled for any reason, and you choose not to travel on alternative flights offered, you are entitled to a refund. For delays caused by the airline, such as those due to crew scheduling or mechanical issues, you may be eligible for compensation. However, uncontrollable delays resulting from weather or air traffic control requirements usually do not qualify for compensation.
Several airlines are offering change waivers to allow passengers to adjust travel plans in the Northeast during the snowstorm. These airlines include Alaska Airlines (systemwide), American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines.
If your flight is canceled, your entitlements depend on whether you choose not to travel or accept alternative flights. Airlines like American, Delta, Hawaiian, and United commit to rebooking passengers at no extra cost, providing meals or vouchers for meals for delays causing at least three hours of waiting, offering complimentary hotel accommodations for overnight cancellations, and providing ground transportation to and from the hotel.
Alaska and JetBlue offer the same, along with additional compensation. However, Allegiant, Frontier, Southwest, and Spirit do not book passengers on partner airlines, and Frontier does not provide hotel accommodations and related transport.
In case of flight delays within the airline’s control, Alaska, American, Delta, Jet Blue, and United offer rebooking at no extra cost, meals or vouchers for delays causing at least three hours of waiting, complimentary hotel accommodations for overnight delays, and ground transportation to and from the hotel.
Alaska and JetBlue offer the same plus additional compensation. Allegiant, Frontier, Hawaiian, Southwest, and Spirit do not rebook travelers on partner airlines, and Frontier does not provide hotel accommodations or related transport.
To check the reason for your flight delay or cancellation, refer to your airline’s app or emails about your flight. Additionally, the FAA website lists general air traffic restrictions by airport, providing information on weather or air traffic control staffing problems causing delays.
If you experience controllable delays or cancellations, you may need to speak to a customer service agent or wait in line at the airport for compensation such as hotel and meal vouchers. Refunds or credits can be processed over the phone or through airline customer service chat features. Travel insurance is recommended, especially during the winter, as it can provide additional compensation for out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to delays.
In summary, travelers affected by the snowstorm should be aware of their rights, check for change waivers, and understand the compensation and entitlements offered by airlines in case of delays or cancellations. Travel insurance can provide added protection during adverse weather conditions.