The most powerful winter storm of the season so far is wreaking havoc on air travel across much of the country.

Snow, ice and bitterly cold air is bearing down on much of the Midwest, prompting thousands of flight disruptions that could worsen as the system moves up the East Coast.

As of 1 pm EST Sunday, airlines had canceled more than 1,100 flights across the US. FlightAware. Another 3,300 have been delayed.

So far, Missouri’s Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has seen the worst flight woes, with nearly 90% of its scheduled departures canceled on Sunday amid blizzard-like conditions.

Chase Kester/Getty Images

Those widespread cancellations come a day after the airport, at one point, had to close its runways amid rapid snow accumulation – which briefly Threatened the planned departure of the Kansas City Chiefs for a game in Denver Sunday.

For days, forecasters warned of significant travel disruptions as a winter storm took shape last week, with the National Weather Service warning of potentially significant snowfall from the Midwest to the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Areas such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Cincinnati could see snow showers or up to half a foot in places like Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis and Cincinnati, Accuweather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said Friday. Traveling between Monday evening is a big risk.”

Earlier Friday, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) said its airport snow team would monitor the situation with plans to deploy snow removal equipment as needed.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) similarly warned of potentially treacherous conditions Monday morning.

Daily newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily Newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for the latest news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Most major U.S. airlines have issued travel alerts, giving passengers extra flexibility to change itineraries amid bad weather. That includes waiving change fees for travelers flying even on their most restrictive fare types.

Southwest Airlines was one of the hardest hit airlines on Sunday, leading all US airlines with more than 300 cancellations — about 7% of its schedule. The Dallas-based carrier has a significant presence in both hard-hit Kansas City and St. Louis — not to mention the D.C. area, which is expected to feel the brunt of the storm in the coming hours.

American Airlines has canceled more than 100 flights so far Sunday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, due to the winter storm and mid-day ground stops due to high winds at its Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) home base.

Here’s what to know if you’ll be traveling in the next couple of days:

Look for travel advice

Check your airline’s website. Your flight may be covered by one of several travel advisories issued by major US carriers.

This can allow you to make complimentary itinerary changes more easily right from your airline’s app—even if you’re flying on a normally restricted ticket like basic economy.

American Airlines, for example, has advisories covering about three-dozen airports across much of the country, including its Philly and DCA hubs.

United Airlines has done the same for about a dozen airports, including its Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) hub. Southwest’s travel alert covers some of the cities it serves, including Kansas City, St. Louis, Nashville and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

Here are links to travel advisories for the four largest US carriers:

It is worth noting, some carriers It also issued a travel advisory this past week in the wake of the January 1 terrorist attack in New Orleans.

See a good rebooking option? Don’t delay

If you’re facing a flight delay and see the halfway-sensible rebooking option pop-up in your airline’s app, don’t waste a second: lock it in!

With thousands of flights off their normal schedule due to inclement weather, a large number of passengers are simultaneously jostling for open seats on on-time flights. And those open seats can fill up quickly.

Read more: Flight canceled or delayed? Here’s what to do next

Mel Musto/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Staying at home? You may be eligible for a refund

If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed and you choose to just stay home rather than fly and weather a winter storm, you should be eligible for a refund.

US Department of Transportation regulations Airlines refund passengers for the unflown portion of their ticket when their flight is canceled or significantly delayed — but only if the passenger chooses not to travel rather than accepting a rebooking.

Easy cancellation and return of miles on award bookings

Meanwhile, if Mother Nature wants you to stay home and you skip that trip you booked with frequent flyer miles, you’re in luck.

In general, most US airlines will allow you to cancel an award booking and get all your miles back without any fee. You’ll also usually get a refund for any associated taxes and fees.

Use airline lounge customer service

Stuck in the airport? If you’re an airline lounge member, don’t forget: There are usually customer service agents who can help you work out travel plans — and often have shorter waits than you’ll find at airport concourses. group

Keep in mind, however, that this applies to airline-branded lounges — not credit card-branded lounges — for the carrier you’re flying.

Read more: 5 ways to make sure you have lounge access before your next flight

Getting compensation for delayed flights

Airlines have made a wide range of promises to the DOT for meals, hotel accommodations, and more assures In case of flight cancellation and major delay. However, this usually applies to “controllable” disruptions (such as maintenance or staffing problems) – and usually not Apply when bad weather affects travel.

This is where a travel credit card that offers travel insurance protection can come in handy, helping you cover unexpected expenses when a flight goes wrong. One catch: In most cases, you’ll usually need to book your trip with that card to make a successful claim.

Related Reading:

Leave a Comment