Winter Weather — Over 1,000 flights were cancelled in the United States on Monday due to the unusual weather disruptions caused by the winter weather gradually sweeping through the country. The National Weather Service issued a warning on Monday which stated that a prolonged and potentially significant icing event would impact a large portion of the United States.
Weather watches and advisories have predicted that the disruptions are set to continue into Tuesday.
Most Affected Airports/Airlines
Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Dallas Love Field International (DAL), Houston Bush International (IAH), and all airports in Texas are the most affected airports. Two other airports in the West region: Colorado’s Denver International (DEN) and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International (LAS), have also been hit with a heavy weave of flight delays.
Southwest Airlines has the highest flight cancellations. Cancelling around 483 of its scheduled flights is about 12% of it. That’s a lot for an airline still trying to retrace its steps after facing a backlash from the U.S. government for cancelling over 16,000 flights over the holidays, majorly due to bad weather and partly outdated technology.
Regional carriers SkyWest and American Airlines also had their share of delayed flights and numerous cancellations. American Airlines cancelled 200 flights, that’s about 6%.
Airlines Offer Winter Weather Waivers
With directives from the Department of Transportation requiring airlines to issue refunds to travellers whose flights are cancelled, airlines began issuing waivers over the weekend as the winter storm rolled in.
On Sunday, Southwest Airlines issued a winter weather waiver which it extended to midday Monday. It has been extended further to February 1 across affected airports in Arkansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The waiver allows travellers to rebook flights taken within 14 days of their original travel date without paying a fare difference.
Delta Airlines allows travellers planning to travel on Tuesday or Wednesday next week to rebook their flights on or before February 4 without paying a fare difference. Passengers are also entitled to change fees where applicable.
American Airlines is waiving fees for travellers scheduled to fly through Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport between January 29 and February 2; according to the airline, travellers can rebook their flights on February 2 and travel by February. 8.
Were you affected by the numerous flight cancellations in the United States? Can you please share your experience with us in the comments?
