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More than 3,000 flights canceled as latest winter storms sock US

Feb. 25, 2022
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3 min read
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More than 3,000 flights canceled as latest winter storms sock US
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More than 3,000 flights to, from and within the United States were canceled on Thursday and Friday as a sprawling winter storm system brought rain, snow and ice to states as widespread as Texas and Massachusetts.

On Thursday, 2,147 U.S. flights were canceled, according to FlightAware, more than half of which were scheduled to fly to or from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which saw cold temperatures and freezing rain.

In total, 1,142 flights to or from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) were canceled, which accounts for roughly 57% of the airport's daily operations. Another 201 flights at Dallas Love Field (DAL) were canceled.

American Airlines led the cancellation count with 686 mainline flights, nearly a quarter of its schedule for the day, followed by Southwest with 370 flights (10% of its schedule). Both airlines are headquartered in Dallas. Many of the cancellations were made proactively in preparation for the storm.

The situation in Dallas was largely resolved by Friday morning, with just a few dozen cancellations and delays. But as the storm system moved into the Northeast, the precipitation, rain, sleet and snow led to another 1,417 delays as of 11 a.m. ET.

Related: Here’s what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled

There were 311 flights (62%) from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) that had been canceled for the day, with another 229 inbound flights (45%) scrapped. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) saw 109 outbound (18%) and 76 inbound (12%) cancellations, while LaGuardia Airport (LGA) saw 98 outbound (17%) and 49 inbound (8%) flights canceled. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) saw 56 departing flights (12%) and 71 arriving flights (16%) nixed.

Those flying to or from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) were in for a better time — each airport saw just a few dozen cancellations.

New York-based JetBlue had the most cancellations with 225 flights (24%) grounded, followed by regional carrier Republic, which operates flights across the Northeast on behalf of Delta, United and American — Republic canceled 246 flights (24%).

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Air travel has been heavily affected by storms this winter, with continuous bad weather compounding operational difficulties during the holiday period linked to the spread of the omicron variant.

About 20,000 flights to, from and within the U.S. were canceled between Dec. 22 and Jan. 3.

Related: Snapshot: 1 in 13 flights were canceled during the holidays. How US airlines fared

The good news for passengers is that airlines have begun to cancel higher numbers of flights proactively once weather forecasts firm up, instead of waiting for the day of the storm.

That means that instead of watching delays stack up before flights are eventually canceled, passengers can find out as much as a day or two ahead of time, allowing them to manage their schedules before heading to the airport.

If you find yourself facing a cancellation or severe delay, here are TPG's tips for managing those flight delays and cancellations.

Featured image by David Slotnick/The Points Guy
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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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)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • 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.
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  • $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.
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