Last updated: 18 January 2024
A word of warning: Continue to check your flight status before you leave for the airport this week. While the total number of delays and cancellations in the U.S. has eased today, they remain high as severe winter weather continues to impact various parts of the country.
According to data from flight tracking software and website FlightAware, 1,594 flights within, into, or out of the U.S. were delayed as of midday, and 1,353 were canceled.
Adding to travel disruptions is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) grounding of Boeing’s 737-9 Max planes. This grounding follows a January 5 incident involving Alaska Airlines, where a Max 9 door detached while in flight. The government’s investigation into Boeing is ongoing and affects the Max 9 fleets of both Alaska and United airlines.
Current Flight Situation
As of midday, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines reported the highest cancellation numbers, with 188 and 142 cancellations, respectively.
In a recent video update, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci addressed customers. He stated, “Since Alaska Airlines and the FAA have grounded these aircraft, we are canceling between 110-150 flights every day. These aircraft will return to service only when all findings have been fully resolved and meet the stringent standards of Boeing, the FAA, and Alaska Airlines.”
Furthermore, Minicucci reassured customers that their reservations team is working diligently to accommodate passengers, although there is currently no specific timeline for when the planes will return to operation.
What You Can Do
If you’re concerned about how to manage your travel plans amidst winter weather and cancellations, there are several actions you can take:
- Check Your Airline’s Website: Visit your airline’s website for the latest travel advisories, updates, and policies.
- Be Prepared for Customer Service Wait Times: If you need to call the airline, be prepared for potential long wait times to reach a customer service agent.
- Understand Your Options: Many airlines are implementing flexible cancellation policies during this period.
For example, Alaska Airlines has established a flexible travel cancellation policy while flights remain grounded. They provide options for impacted passengers to adjust their travel plans.
United Airlines is also accommodating passengers affected by cancellations due to weather and the groundings. Passengers on Max 9 flights are eligible for a full refund, while most change fees have been waived for inclement weather cancellations.
Moreover, Southwest Airlines allows customers with canceled flights to request a refund for unused tickets. Additionally, those with reservations on January 12 or 13 may rebook without additional charges.
For a comprehensive view of refund and reimbursement policies, consider visiting the Department of Transportation’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard to compare options across the top 10 U.S. airlines.
