As a severe weather system is poised to strike large swathes of the U.S. this weekend, air travel disruptions are nearly unavoidable.
This storm could impact over 230 million people across the country in the days ahead. Some regions may face “damaging ice and heavy snow,” making travel risky, according to [an organization], which has labeled the storm Winter Storm Fern. A potentially devastating ice storm could also trigger power outages and break trees.
On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that its weather and air traffic specialists “are monitoring this weekend’s winter storm to ensure flight safety” and recommended travelers stay informed about their flight statuses. Airlines are preparing for disruptions, with multiple carriers already releasing advisories to customers and offering to waive fees for flight changes.
Below is key information about Winter Storm Fern and its potential impact on your travel arrangements.
Where and when is Winter Storm Fern projected to strike?
Per The Weather Channel, the storm is set to arrive in sections of the South, Midwest, and Northeast as early as Friday and persist until Monday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for numerous cities nationwide, including Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
On Friday, snow, sleet, and freezing rain may hit parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. By Saturday, a mix of snow, sleet, and ice could reach areas of Louisiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and New Mexico. Similar conditions may affect the Great Lakes region and Northeast on Sunday.
Certain Northeast areas, including New England, could see lingering snowfall and strong winds extend into Monday.
What impact might the winter storm have on flights this weekend?
Winter Storm Fern’s anticipated conditions—strong winds, ice, snow, and rain—can all disrupt air travel. Numerous airlines have already sent alerts to travelers warning of potential flight disruptions this weekend, especially for those flying through cities expected to be severely affected by bad weather.
For example, [Airline Name] notified its customers that flights in or out of cities like Atlanta, Indianapolis, Memphis, and Raleigh may be delayed, diverted, or canceled. The carrier also noted eligible passengers traveling to, from, or via any of these cities can adjust their plans without incurring airfare change fees.
[Another Airline] stated that travelers going to, through, or from any of 35 cities at risk of Winter Storm Fern impact—such as Albany, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia—can modify their trips with waived fees if they meet specific criteria.
[Third Airline] added it will waive change and cancellation fees for eligible customers traveling between this Saturday and Monday to or from any of 11 cities, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Providence.
How to determine if your flight is in the winter storm’s path?
Visit your airline’s website or app to check for any expected impacts on your weekend flight. You can also review the daily forecast in the days before your trip to see if the storm’s path overlaps with your flight route.
On your travel day, verify your flight status before heading to the airport. You can also use FlightAware, a flight-tracking platform, to view the number of disruptions at your departure or arrival airport, giving you insight into how weather is affecting air travel there that day.
What preparations should travelers make now?
If your travel plans are flexible, you might want to adjust them. Given many airlines have waived flight change fees, you will likely not need to pay extra to rebook your flight for a later date.
