A bad winter weather season has grounded the skies across the United States. Over 1,000 flights were canceled on Sunday as severe winter weather grounded the nation’s skies, stranding thousands of passengers as snowstorms and icy conditions combined to disrupt major travel hubs in ways that raise questions about their rights and what compensation they may be entitled to.
American Airlines, Delta, and United canceled or delayed some of their flights. It was reported that the bad weather hit mainly the Midwest and Northeast regions and that the highest number of interruptions occurred at airports in Chicago, Detroit, and Boston.
The Federal Aviation Administration has given advisories across multiple airports regarding delays and even cancellations while crews work their way to ensure runways clear and are in good condition to fly. Similarly, airlines have taken proactive cancellations of flight schedules to not leave passengers grounded at airports.
What Are Travelers Entitled To?
For passengers affected by these cancellations, knowing your rights is important:
- Rebooking Options: Generally, flight airlines allow such affected flights for free rebooking. Passengers can contact their respective airlines or straightly use internet booking websites.
- Refunds: According to the Department of Transportation, if a flight is canceled, passengers automatically get a full refund, even if the ticket is non-refundable.
- Compensation: While weather-related cancellations are considered “acts of God” and typically are not compensable, airlines may provide meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or other assistance for significant delays.
Tips for Travel Disruptions
If your travel plans have been affected, here are some steps to minimize inconvenience:
- Act Quickly: As soon as your flight is canceled, check for rebooking options on your airline’s website or app. Availability may be limited due to high demand.
- Consider Alternate Routes: Look for flights to nearby airports or alternate connections to reach your destination.
- Pack Essentials: If you’re stranded, having essentials like medications, snacks, and a phone charger can make the wait more manageable.
- Keep Track: Keep an eye on your airline’s website, or even sign up for text alerts, to know the status of flights and whether airports are open.
Airlines have relaxed their travel policies for stranded passengers. Change fees and fare differences are waived for most rebooked flights. More carriers have further extended their policy beyond the date of the weather event, so some passengers have more time to rebook their travel plans.
Experts are urging passengers to prepare ahead of time and be patient as winter weather continues to disrupt travel. Meteorologists predict that snow and icy conditions will persist through the next few days, so cancellations may continue.
Be advised to stay tuned for weather updates and reach out in advance to airlines, preparing themselves for potential delay situations. Indeed, navigating the inconveniences is frustrating enough; knowing rights and options puts them in control.
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep in mind—while the weather brings disruptions to your plans, the airlines do all they can to get you where you’re headed as safely and quickly as possible.
