Flight Delays and Cancellations Affect Over 3,400 on Friday
Winter Storm Fern is significantly impacting air travel across the United States, leading to numerous flight delays and cancellations. With hazardous weather conditions affecting large areas, airlines are issuing travel advisories to help passengers navigate these disruptions.
Flight Delays and Cancellations Due to Winter Storm Fern
As of Friday afternoon, over 3,400 travelers have been affected by flight disruptions. Nearly 2,900 flights faced delays while more than 500 were outright canceled, according to FlightAware data. Airports such as Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Dallas experienced delays numbering in the triple digits.
Airline Responses to the Storm
- American Airlines and United Airlines reported over 300 delays each.
- Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines each recorded just over 250 delays.
In anticipation of the storm, Delta Air Lines preemptively canceled flights at select airports in five states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. They emphasized the need for safety in their announcement.
Travel Advisories in Effect
- Delta issued a travel advisory for 45 Northeastern airports from Saturday to Monday.
- United Airlines created alerts for travelers flying in and out of Chicago O’Hare on Friday and Saturday.
- American Airlines released advisories for 35 Northeast airports for travel from Saturday to Tuesday.
- Southwest Airlines expanded its advisory for 46 airports through the Southern and Mid-Atlantic regions.
- JetBlue Airways has alerts affecting six airports in the South and 12 in the Mid-Atlantic.
What to Expect from Winter Storm Fern
The National Weather Service is forecasting severe weather from the Southern Rockies to New England, lasting from Friday through Monday. Significant ice accumulations could lead to power outages and dangerous travel conditions. After the storm, communities can expect persistently cold temperatures and potential travel issues due to icy conditions.
Some areas could experience wind chills dropping as low as 50 degrees below zero, particularly in northern Minnesota and North Dakota.
Advice for Travelers
Travelers are advised to check their airline app prior to heading to the airport. Mobile apps like Flighty and FlightAware can provide timely updates on flight statuses. For those facing delays, exploring the option to rebook a very early flight is recommended to minimize the chance of further disruptions later in the day.
In cases where delays exceed three hours, passengers may request a full refund for their unflown segments, including any ancillary charges for checked luggage. Maintaining flexibility during this tumultuous weather scenario is crucial.
For real-time updates and additional travel information, check back with Filmogaz.com as the situation develops.
