Airlines Delay and Cancel Flights, Disrupting Travel from Texas to North Carolina

Winter Storm Threatens Gulf Coast Travel

A winter storm is expected to bring snow and ice to the Gulf Coast from late Monday into Wednesday, disrupting travel from Texas to North Carolina. Major airlines are taking precautions, delaying and canceling flights in anticipation of the storm.

Heavy snow and ice are forecast for eight states, prompting winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories across a 1,500-mile stretch. Travel advisories are already in effect due to frigid weather in the northeast and the approaching winter storm.

Airlines are offering travel waivers and alerts for affected areas. American Airlines has waived fees and posted travel alerts for 38 cities along the Gulf Coast. Breeze Airways has waivers in place for Monday in Portland, Maine, and Manchester, New Hampshire, and for Tuesday in Gulfport, Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Pensacola, Florida. Delta Air Lines has a Gulf Coast winter weather advisory through Wednesday, covering 17 airports in eight states. JetBlue is waiving change/cancel fees and fare differences for customers traveling Monday and Tuesday to and from eight cities in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas. United has posted a Gulf Coast weather alert through Wednesday for airports in nearly 30 cities. Southwest Airlines has also announced possible delays, diversions, or cancellations through Wednesday along the Gulf Coast.

As of Monday afternoon, over 1,600 flights scheduled for Tuesday had already been canceled. Three Houston airports – George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport – plan to close down operations at midnight Tuesday.

Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on flight status and travel advisories.