US airlines and airports brace for a brutal travel day amid massive winter storm

A massive winter storm has created travel chaos across the United States, with airlines canceling thousands of flights and leaving passengers stranded at major airports from coast to coast.

The storm, which has been sweeping across the country since Saturday, threatens nearly 180 million people—more than half the U.S. population—according to the National Weather Service. The severe weather system is creating a path of disruption stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England, with forecasters predicting about 1 to 2 feet of snow in the Northeast corridor from Washington through New York and Boston.

The impact on air travel has been particularly severe. More than 13,500 flights have been canceled across the U.S. since Saturday, with approximately 9,600 of those scheduled for Sunday alone, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. Aviation analytics company Cirium reports that Sunday’s cancellations represent the highest single-day disruption since the pandemic began, with over 29% of all U.S. departing flights canceled.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has been hit especially hard, with nearly all of its scheduled departures—414 flights, or 97% of its daily total—grounded. Significant disruptions are also affecting major hubs in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, as well as New York’s John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports.

Major carriers are struggling to maintain operations amid the storm. American Airlines has canceled over 1,400 flights for Sunday, while Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines each reported approximately 1,000 cancellations. United Airlines has grounded more than 800 flights, and JetBlue has canceled over 560 flights, representing roughly 70% of its scheduled service for the day.

For travelers caught in this widespread disruption, airlines typically offer to rebook passengers on later flights at no additional charge, though this depends on seat availability. While passengers can request booking on another carrier, airlines aren’t obligated to arrange this accommodation. Some major airlines may place passengers on flights with partner airlines, but this solution isn’t guaranteed.

The U.S. Department of Transportation rules are clear regarding refunds: If an airline cancels a flight—regardless of the reason—and a passenger chooses not to travel, the carrier must provide a full refund, even for non-refundable tickets. This refund requirement extends to any additional fees for services not received, such as baggage fees and seat upgrades. Travelers should be aware that while airlines might offer travel credits as an alternative, passengers maintain the right to request a complete refund.

Weather forecasters warn that the storm’s effects may continue for several days as it moves through the Northeast, potentially extending travel disruptions into the early part of the week. Airport officials are advising travelers to check flight status before heading to airports and to contact airlines directly for rebooking options.

This winter storm represents one of the most significant weather-related travel disruptions in recent years, affecting a substantial portion of the country during what is typically a busy travel period. Aviation experts suggest that the ripple effects could continue to impact the national air travel network even after the storm passes, as airlines work to reposition aircraft and crews to resume normal operations.

Passengers are advised to monitor airline communications, check airport websites, and prepare for potential extended waits as the aviation system works to recover from this major weather event.