Today's winter storm flight delays, cancellations top 13,000: Here's what to know
Snow blankets the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as a winter storm moves into the area. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
The massive winter weather system that will impact 240 million people across more than 40 states is wreaking havoc on air travel as flight delays and cancellations are impacting airports across the country.
By the numbers:
Nearly 1,200 flights have been canceled across the country through Saturday, and as of Friday morning, FlightAware reports there are 11,351 flight delays.
RELATED: What to do if your flight gets canceled due to winter storms
Dig deeper:
The storm is impacting air travel hubs in Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville, Charlotte, Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and New York. Travel experts are advising people who have flights this weekend to look into changing flights to stay ahead of the storm and flight cancellations.
What to do if your flight gets canceled due to winter storms
What you can do:
Major airlines have issued travel waivers for flights this weekend across most of the eastern two-thirds of the country ahead of the winter storm. American, Delta, United and Southwest, have all issued expansive travel waivers for dozens of airports across the country beginning Friday. JetBlue and Spirit have issued similar waivers. Hundreds of flight cancellations are expected this weekend.
What if my flight is canceled?
A flight information board displays delayed, cancelled, and on time flights at the Miami International Airport on November 10, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Big picture view:
If your flight is canceled, airlines will book you on another flight. Sometimes, they’ll partner with competing airlines to offer seats on other flights when the airline you’re flying with can’t accommodate.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you are entitled to a refund if your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed – regardless of the reason – but only if you choose not to travel or accept travel credits, vouchers or other forms of compensation offered by the airline.
If you want to rebook your flight, do it as soon as you learn your flight is delayed or canceled. Try re-booking it quickly online, with the app or at the kiosk. If the airline’s phone number is backlogged, try calling through the international number – according to The Points Guy. If that doesn’t work, then try a ticketing agent. Speed is your friend here.
Winter storm travel waivers
Dig deeper:
The following airlines are offering travel waivers ahead of this weekend’s winter storm. This allows passengers to rebook their flights without penalty.
American Airlines
Passengers with flights to, from or through certain airports between Jan. 23-25 may rebook without penalty. The tickets must have been purchased on or before Jan. 19 and all changes must be made by Jan. 25 for travel by Jan. 28. Details can be found on the American Airlines website.
Delta Air Lines
Passengers with flights to, from or through certain airports between Jan. 23-25 may rebook without penalty. New flights must be booked by Jan. 28 for travel no later than Jan. 28. More details can be found on Delta's website.
United Airlines
Passengers traveling to, from or through certain airports in Texas between Jan. 23-25 with a ticket purchased on or before Jan. 20 can reschedule their flight. The new flight must be on or before Jan. 29. More details can be found on United's website.
Spirit Airlines
Passengers traveling to, from or through certain airports between Jan. 23-25 can reschedule their flight. The new flight must be on or before Jan. 28. More details can be found on Spirit's website.
Southwest Airlines
Passengers traveling to, from or through certain airports between Jan. 23-26 can reschedule their flight. The new flight must be within 14 days of the original travel date. More details can be found on Southwest's website.
Will I get reimbursed for a hotel or food?
No. Airlines will not provide a hotel, food or other reimbursements if a delay or cancellation is due to weather, which is considered outside the airline's control.
FOX Local Winter Storm local coverage
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The Source: Information in this article was sourced from FlightAware, the U.S. Department of Transportation, FOX Weather, various U.S. airline websites and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.