Winter storm leads to over 1,500 flight cancellations across the U.S

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Winter storm leads to over 1,500 flight cancellations across the U.S

Research

Jordan Waller Managing editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Jan 5, 2025

The winter storm affecting the United States has led to significant disruptions in air travel, with over 1,500 flights canceled as of Sunday evening. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures have hit the Midwest particularly hard, causing widespread delays and cancellations.

According to FlightAware data, Kansas City International Airport experienced the most severe disruptions, with nearly 95% of its scheduled departures canceled due to blizzard conditions. The airport had previously closed its runways because of rapid ice accumulation, which briefly threatened the Kansas City Chiefs' departure for a game in Denver.

Meteorologists had predicted significant travel issues as the storm developed last week. The National Weather Service warned of heavy snowfall from the Midwest to Washington, D.C., while AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham stated that snow could "bring travel to a standstill" in cities like Kansas City and St. Louis.

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Major U.S. airlines have issued travel alerts allowing passengers flexibility in changing itineraries without fees. Southwest Airlines faced over 380 cancellations on Sunday, while American Airlines canceled more than 175 flights due to both weather conditions and high winds at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Airports such as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Philadelphia International Airport prepared for challenging conditions by deploying snow removal equipment. Travelers are advised to check airline websites for advisories that may allow complimentary itinerary changes.

For those whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed, U.S. Department of Transportation rules mandate refunds if passengers choose not to rebook. Airlines generally offer easy cancellation and miles refunds for award bookings under these circumstances.

Passengers stranded at airports can seek assistance from customer service agents in airline lounges for quicker help with rebooking options. However, compensation for meals or accommodations typically applies only to controllable disruptions rather than weather-related issues.