How to Save Your Holiday Travel Plans Amidst Approaching Winter Storms

This holiday travel season is shaping up to be quite turbulent. As air travel numbers near or exceed pre-pandemic levels for Christmas and New Year’s, severe winter storms and an arctic blast are threatening to disrupt many travel itineraries across the country.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported this week that it expects airport security lines to be busier this holiday season compared to last year. The peak travel days are predicted to be Thursday, December 22, and Friday, December 30.

“We are ready for the increased passenger volume and aim to maintain our wait time standards of 30 minutes or less in regular lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck lanes. However, there may be instances where a checkpoint’s capacity is exceeded,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service reported on Tuesday that “a significant and disruptive storm system is expected to create a range of weather hazards through midweek, including heavy snowfall, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures stretching from the Northwest to the Plains, the Great Lakes, and the central Appalachians.”

Meteorologists are cautioning against dangerous holiday travel and life-threatening cold as an arctic air mass sweeps across much of the nation.

“We’re anticipating temperatures far below normal, possibly reaching record lows as we approach Christmas,” said Zack Taylor, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, in an interview with the Associated Press.

The combination of severe winter weather, ongoing operational challenges in the aviation industry, and persistent staffing shortages could result in delays and cancellations for travelers at airports nationwide.

If you’re planning to travel by air for the holidays, don’t worry. Here are some straightforward steps you can take to ease stress and avoid frustration. Equip yourself with these expert tips from industry insiders.

What to Do Before You Fly

Reschedule Your Flight

All major U.S. airlines have announced flight change waivers in anticipation of the holidays. This is your opportunity to proactively adjust your travel plans before conditions worsen. Here’s a quick overview of the current holiday travel waivers from the airlines.

• American Airlines: If you're flying to or from various airports in the Northeast and Midwest between December 22 and 24 (Northeast) or December 21 and 23 (Midwest), and you booked by December 19, you can change your flight at no cost if you rebook by December 24 (Northeast) or December 23 (Midwest).
• Delta Air Lines: Delta has implemented multiple winter weather advisories and rebooking options for travelers heading to and from the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Central Plains, Atlantic region, Northeast, and Northwest Mountain region.
• JetBlue: JetBlue is waiving change fees and fare differences for those traveling to and from the Northeast from December 22 to 23. The airline is also waiving these fees for customers traveling to and from select Midwest cities between December 21 and 23.
• Southwest Airlines: Customers who have booked travel to or from numerous destinations in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Central Plains, and Northeast can rebook in their original service class or travel standby (within 14 days of their original travel dates) free of charge for trips scheduled between December 20 and 26.
• United Airlines: United is waiving change fees and fare differences for flights across much of the country this week.

When you rebook, opt for the earliest flight available

“Morning flights boast an on-time arrival rate that’s 25 percentage points higher than those in the evening. This is because (a) the weather is generally more favorable in the morning, and (b) the plane is already at the airport overnight and ready to depart,” advised Scott Keyes, founder of flight deal tracking service Scott’s Cheap Flights, in a Tweet on Tuesday.

“The earlier you make the change, the better your options will be,” added Keyes.

William McGee, an aviation expert and author of the book Attention All Passengers, points out that delays accumulate later in the day. “Aim for that 6 a.m. flight,” he recommends.

Opt for a nonstop flight rather than a connecting one

With waived change fees and fare differences in many cases, consider searching for a nonstop flight instead of a connecting one to minimize potential issues.

Plan for longer layovers

If nonstop flights aren’t an option, be sure to allow ample time between connections. One hour won’t suffice; aim for at least two hours for domestic layovers and three hours for international ones.

Install the FlightAware app

Industry experts highly recommend this flight tracking app, which can alert travelers to upcoming changes often before airlines notify their customers. If your flight keeps getting delayed on the departure board, use FlightAware to track your aircraft’s journey. If it appears to be stalled at its previous location, it might be time to explore alternative flight options.

Keep an eye on the weather

If you've ever wanted to be a meteorologist, now's your opportunity. Monitor weather radar and forecasts through resources like the National Weather Service (and its Weather Prediction Center), the Weather Channel, and AccuWeather. Even if the weather seems fine in your departure or arrival area, system-wide ripple effects could impact your flight.

Navigating to and through the airport

Head to the airport earlier than usual

Severe winter weather may extend your travel time to the airport. Upon arrival, you might encounter longer lines and wait times than expected. Major U.S. airlines and TSA recommend arriving extra early this holiday season—aim for at least two hours before domestic flights and three for international ones. For real-time security line wait times, consider downloading the MyTSA app.

Think about traveling with just a carry-on

Given the heightened congestion and unpredictable flight schedules this holiday season, those who wish to avoid the risk of lost luggage might prefer to keep their belongings with them. One popular option is the Bigger Carry-On by Away, $295, away.com. If you're bringing holiday gifts in your carry-on, TSA advises keeping them unwrapped for inspection. “TSA suggests using gift bags that are easy to open or gift boxes with removable lids for contents inspection. Fully wrapped gifts may need to be unwrapped if required by a TSA officer,” they advise.

If checking luggage, pack some clothes, essentials, and valuables in your carry-on

For those who proudly belong to Team Checked Luggage (a surprisingly large group), it's wise to pack at least a couple of days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, and other essentials in your carry-on, just in case your checked bag goes missing.

What to do when your flight is canceled or delayed

When you notice a wave of delays or cancellations heading your way, start exploring alternative options with your airline, as well as partner airlines (especially for international travel) and even competing carriers. Many airlines have interline agreements that let you switch your ticket without hassle.

Reach out to the airline's international help desk

This is another valuable tip from Keyes's recent tweet. “Airlines' phone lines are swamped during bad weather,” he noted. However, he mentioned that airline offices in Canada, Mexico, the U.K., and other locations might be less busy. “Agents there can assist with rebooking just like U.S.-based agents, but without the wait,” Keyes wrote.

Check the trip insurance benefits your credit card provides

Many credit cards offer coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations. If you face mounting expenses (like airport meals, hotel stays, or rebooked flights) due to delays or cancellations outside the airline's control (such as weather-related issues), a card with this coverage can help you secure at least a partial refund, if not the full amount.

Stay calm and courteous

“Bring an extra dose of patience, especially during peak travel days, and appreciate those working hard to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely,” TSA advises. Travelers are understandably frustrated, and a little kindness can go a long way with busy gate agents, airline staff, or customer service representatives—especially during the hectic holiday season. If you find yourself speaking with an unhelpful agent, don’t hesitate to hang up and call back for another representative who might be more accommodating.

Understand your rights as a traveler

Airlines are not obligated to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations caused by factors outside their control, such as inclement weather (unfortunately). They also don’t have to refund tickets if the passenger decides to cancel or change their flight. However, U.S. law mandates a refund if the airline cancels, delays, or modifies a flight, or if passengers are involuntarily removed from an oversold flight or due to the airline’s operational or staffing issues. It's essential to identify whether the cause of the disruption is related to weather or operational matters (though, sadly, proving it's not weather-related may be quite challenging).

Nevertheless, all major U.S. airlines have committed to providing meal vouchers for delays exceeding three hours and to arrange transfers and hotel accommodations for passengers facing overnight cancellations. They have also agreed to rebook affected travelers on a different flight at no extra charge due to delays or cancellations, and most will also facilitate rebooking on a partner airline if necessary.