Thousands of Flights Canceled and Delayed Due to Winter Storms

Severe winter storms impacting various parts of the United States this week are causing significant disruptions to travel across the Pacific Northwest, West Coast, Southwest, Midwest, and Northeast. Alongside heavy snowfall that has closed highways from Arizona to Wyoming, thousands of flights were canceled and delayed on Wednesday and Thursday, with the storms expected to persist in some areas for several days.

As of the latest update, there were 1,016 flight cancellations reported in the United States on Thursday, following 1,775 cancellations on Wednesday, as per flight tracking service FlightAware. Additionally, flight delays have surged, with FlightAware recording 7,127 delays nationwide on Wednesday and 3,374 by Thursday afternoon.

Here are the airports facing the most significant delays and cancellations as of Thursday afternoon (according to FlightAware data):

• Portland International Airport (PDX): At PDX in Oregon, 32 percent of flights were canceled, and 9 percent were delayed on Thursday.
• Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP): Nearly one-third (29 percent) of flights were canceled, and 15 percent experienced delays at MSP on Thursday.
• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE): About 22 percent of flights were canceled, with 14 percent delayed at MKE on Thursday.
• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): In Buffalo, New York, 22 percent of flights were canceled, and 25 percent were delayed on Thursday.
• Boston Logan International (BOS): At Boston’s main airport, 14 percent of flights were canceled, and 27 percent faced delays on Thursday.

Here are the latest weather updates from across the nation:

Much of Portland was brought to a standstill on Thursday after the city in the Pacific Northwest recorded its second snowiest day ever. Nearly 11 inches of snow fell in Portland on Wednesday, causing traffic chaos during the evening rush hour and leaving drivers stranded on highways. Some spent the night in their cars, while others abandoned their vehicles as crews worked to clear the roads.

By Thursday morning, the National Weather Service reported 10.1 inches of snow at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport.

The National Weather Service announced on Thursday in its latest winter storm update that "A prolonged major winter storm will continue to deliver widespread heavy snow and blizzard conditions to parts of the West and the northern Plains/Great Lakes through Thursday."

Areas from the Great Lakes to the Northeast should brace for an additional 6 to 12 inches of snow on Thursday, with some locations potentially receiving up to 18 inches, according to the weather agency.

In Arizona, several interstate highways and other roads were shut down due to strong winds, dropping temperatures, and blowing snow. The winter storms led the Arizona Department of Transportation to recommend that drivers postpone highway travel this week until conditions improve. The National Weather Service warned of whiteout conditions in parts of northern and eastern Arizona this week, along with winds exceeding 50 miles per hour.

As of Thursday morning, over 681,000 customers in Michigan were without power; more than 84,000 in Illinois; over 58,000 in Wisconsin; around 42,000 in California; and approximately 32,000 in New York State, according to PowerOutage.us.

In Wyoming, many roads in the southern region of the state were impassable, according to state officials. Rescuers attempted to reach stranded drivers, but high winds and drifting snow created a "nearly impossible situation," as stated by Sergeant Jeremy Beck of the Wyoming Highway Patrol to the Associated Press.

A blizzard warning is in effect through Saturday in California for the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, where forecasters expect several feet of snow, 60 mph wind gusts, and wind chills dropping to minus 40 degrees.

The National Weather Service reported that "On Thursday and Friday, the heavy snowfall risk across the West is expected to shift more towards California as a new storm system forms just off the West Coast, moving south and starting to affect the Southwest by the end of the week."

The Sierra Nevada range is expected to receive between three to five feet of snow, with some accumulation possible in the lower foothills and inland valley areas along the Pacific Coast, where snowfall is typically rare due to colder-than-average temperatures.

What to do if winter storms disrupt your travel plans

Rebook your flight

If you anticipate that weather-related delays or cancellations might impact an airport you plan to travel to or from in the near future, it may be prudent to cancel or postpone your trip to avoid being stranded. Major U.S. airlines provide flight change waivers in response to severe weather conditions. You can find the latest flight waiver details through the links below:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• JetBlue
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

The ideal flight to book? Early and nonstop

Booking an early flight minimizes your risk of encountering weather-related delays and cancellations, which tend to accumulate throughout the day. Additionally, opt for a nonstop flight rather than a connecting one to lower the chances of complications. If a nonstop option isn’t available, ensure you allow ample time for layovers—one hour is insufficient. Aim for at least two hours for domestic connections and three hours for international ones.

Download the FlightAware app

Industry experts highly recommend this flight tracking app, which can alert travelers to any impending changes often before airlines notify their customers. If your flight keeps getting delayed on the departure board, you can use FlightAware to track your aircraft's journey. If it appears to be stuck in its previous location, you may want to consider alternative flight options.

Stay updated on the weather

If you’ve ever aspired to be a meteorologist, now is your opportunity. Check weather radar and forecasts on platforms such as the National Weather Service (including its Weather Prediction Center), the Weather Channel, and AccuWeather. Even if the area you’re traveling to or from isn’t experiencing any weather issues, the ripple effects and strains on the system can still impact your flight.

Plan to leave for and arrive at the airport earlier than normal

Severe winter conditions might mean a longer journey to the airport. Once you arrive, you could encounter longer lines and wait times than anticipated. Aim to be at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones. You can download the MyTSA app for real-time updates on security line wait times at airports across the country.

Think about traveling with only carry-on luggage

With heightened congestion and unpredictable flight schedules during winter storms, travelers looking to avoid the risk of lost luggage should consider keeping their belongings with them. One popular option is the Bigger Carry-On by Away, $295, away.com.

Traveling with checked luggage? Keep some clothes, essentials, and valuables in your carry-on

For those loyal to Team Checked Luggage (which is more common than you might think), pack at least a day or two's worth of clothes, toiletries, and any necessities in your carry-on in case your checked bag gets lost.

Explore alternate flights with your airline, partner airlines, and even competitors

At the first sign of widespread delays or cancellations, begin exploring options with the airline you’re booked with, as well as partner airlines (especially for international routes) and competing carriers. Many airlines have interline agreements that can facilitate transferring your ticket.

Verify what trip insurance coverage your credit card provides

Many credit cards offer coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations. If expenses start piling up (like meals at the airport, overnight hotel stays, or rebooked flights) due to delays or cancellations not covered by the airline (such as weather-related issues), a credit card with this coverage can help secure at least a partial, if not full, refund.

Understand your rights

Airlines are not obligated to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations caused by factors outside their control, like inclement weather (unfortunately). They also aren’t required to refund passengers who choose to cancel or change their flights. However, U.S. law mandates refunds when airlines cancel, delay, or change a flight, or if passengers are involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight or if issues stem from the airline's operations, such as staffing shortages. So, it's important to determine if the problem is weather-related or operational. (Right now, proving it's not related to weather might be quite challenging.)

That said, all major U.S. airlines have committed to providing meal vouchers for delays exceeding three hours, as well as offering transfers and hotel accommodations for passengers impacted by overnight cancellations. They also agree to rebook travelers on another flight at no additional charge due to a delay or cancellation, and most will assist with rebooking on a partner airline as well.

Reporting contributed by the Associated Press.