Winter storm Blair, sweeping across the United States has caused widespread severe flight disruptions. Over 2,000 flights were canceled on 6th of January. The storm has left thousands of travellers stranded and airlines scrambling to manage the impact.
Flights cancelled
Winter storm Blair has been spreading across the United states, leaving destruction in its wake as it brings heavy snow, freezing rain, and high winds. Several states, including Kansas, Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland, have declared a state of emergency in the face of the dangerous storm.
The winter storm Blair is also responsible for severe flight disruptions across the country. More than 9,000 flights were cancelled in the United States on Monday and over 2,000 flights were delayed according to flight tracker FlightAware. Southwest airlines was the most impacted, with 519 cancelled flights.
Major hubs including Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport have reported significant delays and cancellations.
Chicago O’Hare, one of the busiest airports in the country, experienced over 600 delays on Monday alone. More than half of flights were canceled at Washington, DC’s Reagan National Airport, with 350 cancellation on Monday.
What does this mean for travellers?
Airlines have issued travel waivers, allowing customers to rebook flights for a different day. This will help minimise inconvenience for customers who had planned to travel on these days.
Southwest Airlines has issued a travel waiver, allowing passengers whose flights have been disrupted to rebook their flights in 16 cities. Customers will be able to rebook their flights free of charge as long as it’s within 14 days of their original date and original city pairs.
American Airlines have issued travel waivers to 46 different affected cities, allowing customers to change their trip with no change fee.
The storm is predicted to move out of the affected regions by Thursday, meanwhile travellers should be vigilant and prepared for travelling in severe winter conditions.
Have your travel plans been affected by the winter storm?
