A powerful winter storm is expected to bring snow, ice and sleet across the Eastern United States on Friday through this weekend, potentially snarling travel with treacherous road conditions and flight disruptions.
Forecasters say the storm could sweep across the country from Texas to the Northeast, bringing dangerous weather that could affect more than half of the U.S. population.
Here’s what to know if you’re planning to fly this weekend.
Will airlines waive rebooking fees?
Travelers who no longer want to fly this weekend can most likely rebook without incurring extra costs.
United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines and Alaska Airlines are among the carriers allowing flexible rebooking if you’re traveling through cities like Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Houston, New York and Washington.
How do I know if my flight is delayed or canceled?
Monitor your flight using your airline’s app, as updates could appear there first. On the day of your flight, you can also look at the app or website of FlightAware, a flight-tracking service, to get a sense of delays and cancellations at major airports.
What if my flight is disrupted?
In the United States, if your flight is canceled, significantly delayed or changed, airlines will rebook you (or at least try to rebook you) on another flight. If you decide not to fly, the airline owes you an automatic refund, in your original form of payment, within 20 days.
Don’t expect airlines to cover your food or accommodation costs if you’re stranded; weather isn’t one of the variables, unlike staffing and maintenance, that are under their control. Travel insurance, including coverage through a credit card, may be helpful in this scenario.
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Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel.
The post How a Major Winter Storm This Weekend Could Affect Your Travel Plans appeared first on New York Times.
