US snow storm cancelled your flight? Here's what you need to know

US air travel is seeing widespread disruptions as a powerful winter storm moves across large parts of the country, forcing at least 13,000 flight cancellations over the weekend and affecting major airports. Forecasters have warned that damage, particularly in areas hit by ice, could be catastrophic and comparable to a hurricane.

By mid-morning on Saturday, flight cancellations had dominated departures from several major airports, with Memphis, Oklahoma City and Dallas–Fort Worth among the worst affected. Significant disruption was also reported in Austin, Charlotte and Nashville, while airports in Washington and New York were expected to see conditions worsen as the storm continued.




Here is what you need to know:

What's next for your travel plans?

When airlines anticipate weather-related disruption, they often allow passengers to postpone trips by a few days without paying a change fee. For example, American Airlines is waiving change fees for passengers impacted by the storm and adding extra flights across the country to help travellers reach their destinations once conditions improve.

Travellers are advised to search online for their airline’s name along with terms such as “travel alerts” to check for rescheduling offers.

In case passengers need to proceed, they should use their airline’s app to confirm whether their flight is still operating before leaving for the airport. Cancellations can be announced hours or even days before departure.

Which airports and airlines have been most affected so far?

By mid-day Saturday, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines had each cancelled more than 1,000 scheduled Sunday flights, according to FlightAware. Oklahoma’s largest airport suspended all flights on Saturday. Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport saw more than 700 departing flights cancelled and nearly as many arriving flights called off. Disruptions were also reported at airports in Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville and Charlotte, North Carolina.

What should you do if your flight is cancelled?

Passengers at the airport should speak to a customer service representative. Those at home or in a hotel should contact the airline online or by phone. Travellers are encouraged to research alternative flights while waiting to speak to an agent.

Will the airline rebook you on another flight?

Most airlines will rebook passengers on a later flight at no additional charge, depending on seat availability. However, though most major carriers, say they can rebook passengers on partner airlines, this is not guaranteed.

Are you entitled to a refund if your flight is cancelled?

Yes. If a flight is cancelled and the passenger no longer wants to travel, or has found another way to reach the destination, the airline is legally required to issue a refund, even for non-refundable tickets. The reason for the cancellation does not matter.

Passengers are entitled to a full ticket refund, as well as refunds for unused baggage fees, seat upgrades or other extras. Airlines may offer travel credits, but passengers are entitled to a cash refund.

According to the US Department of Transportation, refunds for credit card payments must be issued within seven business days after a passenger declines an alternative flight or voucher. Refunds for tickets purchased with cash or cheque must be issued within 20 calendar days.

Will airlines cover meals or accommodation during delays or cancellations?

US airlines are not required to compensate passengers for meals or lodging when flights are cancelled or significantly delayed due to an “uncontrollable” event such as bad weather.

How can passengers reach airline support more easily during major disruptions?

Customer service phone lines are often overwhelmed during major storms. Travellers can try using priority phone numbers linked to higher frequent-flyer status or calling an airline’s international support number, where agents can often assist with rebooking.