Severe storms in the United States have led to widespread flight disruptions, with over 1,400 flights canceled and more than 7,200 delayed as of Sunday evening, according to FlightAware. Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport are experiencing the most significant impact on flights. JFK Airport took to Twitter to inform passengers of delays and cancellations, advising them to contact their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning to airline passengers about potential delays caused by slow-moving thunderstorms in several major cities, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Florida, Atlanta, and Charlotte. To assist affected travelers, many airlines have begun offering waivers to rebook flights.
JFK Airport shared an image on Sunday to illustrate how weather conditions were affecting take-offs. Several airlines, including Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airline, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines, have provided detailed information on their websites regarding the waivers they are offering to passengers. However, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines are not currently offering weather waivers.
Passengers whose flights have been canceled are entitled to a full refund, even if they originally booked a nonrefundable ticket, according to the Department of Transportation. In the case of delays, airlines are not required to compensate passengers, but many offer vouchers for meals or hotels during the wait. The Department of Transportation has launched a dashboard to provide information on what each major airline offers during disruptions.
It is crucial for affected passengers to check with their respective airlines for further details. Travelers are also encouraged to review their travel insurance options to ensure they are adequately protected during unexpected disruptions.
This article was contributed by Zach Wichter of USA TODAY.