Winter blast: Flight delays and cancellations top 20,000 since Thursday
Editor's Note
Another blast of winter weather is wreaking havoc on air travel. The storm that first caused a travel mess in Texas Thursday now has flight delays and cancellations piling up across parts of the South and mid-Atlantic as the weekend gets underway.
Airlines canceled more than 3,500 flights Friday, according to data from FlightAware. Another 6,700 were delayed.
By mid-morning Saturday, another 750 flights had been canceled, per FlightAware, and it's likely the disruptions will keep building this weekend.
Help! Here’s what to do if your flight is canceled or delayed
For a second straight day Saturday, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has been the hardest hit, with 125 departures scrapped so far. That's after Atlanta – the world's busiest airport — saw more than three-quarters of flights canceled Friday.
As of mid-morning Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration reported significant ground delays at the hub, the home base for Delta Air Lines.
Following Atlanta in the cancellations tally is major southeast hub Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), with close to 110 flights shuttered Saturday. The airport saw over 40% of its departures scrubbed on Friday.
Also heavily affected the last couple of days: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Nashville International Airport (BNA), among others.
Friday was an especially messy day at airports across the country.
At one point mid-morning Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration halted air traffic both at Atlanta and at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) due to wintry conditions.
All five of Atlanta's runways shut down earlier Friday, Delta said, to allow crews to clear snow and ice.
The carrier cautioned additional disruptions were possible throughout the weekend.
"The safety of Delta customers and employees is our primary focus as we manage disruptions to our operation," Delta told TPG Friday.
Adding to the mess, a Delta Boeing 757 jet bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) had to suspend takeoff in Atlanta after the pilots received indication of an engine issue. The 201 passengers on board had to evacuate the aircraft using the emergency slides, before returning to the terminal via ground transportation, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed.
Four passengers reported minor injuries, the airport said.
Meanwhile, it was another rough end to the week at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which saw more than 1,000 cancellations between Thursday and Friday.
This winter blast was just the latest hurdle for the major hub and American Airlines, its dominant carrier. The airport had to halt flights multiple times this week because of high winds, and battled persistent severe storms over the busy holiday travel rush late last month.
Value check: Are airline credit cards worth it anymore?
In all, well over 6,400 flights nationwide had been canceled since this winter storm first brought wintry conditions to North Texas on Thursday.
That tally is expected to rise Saturday due to residual disruptions from Friday, and as the storm affects other parts of the East Coast.
Airlines prepare for Southeastern winter blast
Several major U.S. carriers have issued travel advisories for dozens of airports ranging from Texas to Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Such waivers allow travelers more flexibility to make free ticket changes to avoid travel during a major weather event. (Airlines have also issued similar waivers for parts of Southern California affected by the ongoing wildfires.)
Amid this latest winter storm, Delta issued a travel alert for a large section of the Southeast, including its massive ATL home base.
American’s vast travel alert covers a slew of southeastern airports, including its Charlotte hub.
On social media Friday, that airport said it had close to 40 snow removal and de-icing trucks involved in responding to the storm.
The National Weather Service on Thursday had warned the storm would strengthen and spread a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain across the South and Southeast.
That same storm system could bring wintry conditions and more flight disruptions to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast over the weekend, Accuweather added.
This latest round of weather-fueled flight disruptions comes after a previous winter storm scuttled thousands of flights between Jan. 4 and Jan. 6 and led Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to shut down its runways on Monday.
What to do if you're flying this week
If you're concerned about upcoming travel plans this weekend, here’s how you can prepare.
Review your options
Now is a good time to check and see if your trip is covered by an airline travel advisory.
Specific to this impending winter storm, you’ll want to review the information listed under “Winter Storm Cora.”
These advisories can offer you more flexibility to make itinerary changes, even if you’re flying on an ordinarily restrictive ticket.
Here’s a rundown of the largest U.S. carriers’ current alerts:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue
- Spirit Airlines
Keep an eye on your airline’s app
Make sure you download your airline’s app, and keep your reservation pulled up. Look out for notifications about your flight and for any signs of potential trouble with your itinerary.
If your flight is delayed or canceled, the airline may offer you an opportunity to rebook yourself right through the app, eliminating the need to wait on hold to speak to customer service.
Read more: Flight canceled or delayed? Here’s what to do next
See a good rebooking option? Don't delay
If you're battling flight delays and see a halfway decent rebooking option pop up in your airline's app, don't waste a second: Lock it in!
With thousands of flights knocked off their normal schedules by bad weather, a huge number of passengers are simultaneously vying for open seats on the flights that are getting out on time — and those open seats can fill up quickly.
Review your refund rights
Now is a good time to brush up on your rights to a refund when it comes to air travel.
Under U.S. Department of Transportation policy, airlines are required to refund you for the unflown portion of your ticket when your flight is canceled or significantly delayed — only if you choose not to travel (and don’t accept rebooking).
This rule applies even when the flight disruption is due to bad weather, and it can come in handy if you opt to stay home instead of taking a later flight in the midst of a winter storm.
Think twice about checking luggage
Finally, you might think twice about checking a bag — if you can avoid it, at least. Oftentimes, flying in the midst of mass cancellations and delays means needing to pivot to a new flight at the last minute. It can also mean that that 90-minute connection window you'd planned in, say, Charlotte, could become a lot tighter.
Keeping all of your luggage in hand can mean fewer wrinkles if you need to be re-booked on the fly — and removes the risk that your bags won't make it onto your connecting flight.
Just remember: Putting all of your belongings into a carry-on bag means everything in your suitcase must be compliant with the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 liquids policy.
Getting compensation for a delayed flight
Airlines have made a wide range of promises to the DOT for meals, hotel accommodations and other guarantees in the event of flight cancellations and major delays. However, keep in mind, these typically apply to "controllable" disruptions (like maintenance or staffing issues) and generally do not apply when bad weather affects travel.
This is where a travel credit card that offers travel insurance protections can come in handy, helping you recoup unexpected costs when flight trouble leaves you stranded. The one catch: In most cases, you'll typically need to book your trip with that card in order to make a successful claim.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.