UPDATE: A massive winter storm is wreaking havoc across the United States today, January 7, 2024, leading to unprecedented travel disruptions. With nearly 180 million people in its path, airlines are scrambling as they announce widespread cancellations and delays at major airports.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for severe conditions, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain, affecting regions from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England. Forecasters predict that areas from Washington to New York and Boston could see a staggering 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) of snow.
As of today, over 13,500 flights have been canceled nationwide since Saturday, with about 9,600 of those scheduled for today alone. This alarming trend has marked Sunday as the highest cancellation day since the pandemic began, with airlines scrapping over 29% of all U.S. departing flights, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the situation is particularly dire; 97% of its scheduled 414 flights have been canceled. Major disruptions are also expected at key hubs including Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, along with New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.
Airlines are reporting staggering cancellations:
– American Airlines has axed over 1,400 flights for today.
– Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines each reported around 1,000 cancellations.
– United Airlines has canceled more than 800, while JetBlue faces over 560 cancellations, which represents roughly 70% of its daily schedule.
Travelers already at the airport are urged to seek assistance from customer service representatives immediately. For those still at home or in hotels, it’s advisable to contact their airline’s reservations staff online or by phone. While most airlines will rebook passengers on later flights at no additional charge, availability may be limited.
Passengers with canceled flights can inquire about rebooking on partner airlines, but this is not guaranteed. Furthermore, if travelers decide not to continue with their trip, airlines are legally required to issue refunds, even for non-refundable tickets. This includes refunds for any additional fees for baggage or upgrades that were not utilized.
This is a developing story, and travelers are encouraged to stay informed about flight statuses and weather updates as the situation unfolds. With conditions expected to worsen as the storm progresses, the impact on travel could last for days.
Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor this ongoing situation across the U.S.
