Thousands of Travellers Grounded in U.S. Today as Spirit, Delta, SkyWest, Air Canada, PSA and Other Airlines Cancel 140 and Delay 2,587 Flights at Dallas, New York, Boston, Miami, Houston, Tampa and Beyond

Thousands of travelers have been left grounded across the U.S. as Spirit, Delta, SkyWest, PSA, Air Canada, and other major airlines have cancelled 140 flights and delayed 2,587 flights. Dallas, New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago, Houston, Tampa, and several other cities have been significantly impacted by the disruptions. These delays and cancellations have caused chaos at some of the busiest airports, leaving passengers scrambling to adjust their travel plans. With winter storms and operational challenges worsening the situation, airports are overwhelmed, and passengers are facing longer-than-expected waits. For many, the situation is further complicated by the volume of delayed flights and the cancellations that have left travelers with limited rebooking options.

Total Delays and Cancellations Across the U.S.

According to the latest reports, there have been a total of 2,587 delays and 140 cancellations affecting airports across the United States today. The disruptions are being felt across a wide range of airlines and major airports, impacting thousands of passengers.

Impact of the Nor’easter Storm on Travel

The nor’easter storm, expected to bring heavy snowfall, high winds, and blizzard conditions to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, is exacerbating existing delays. The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for parts of New York City, southern Connecticut, and Delaware, with snowfall rates of over an inch per hour. The storm is expected to impact airports in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, making travel extremely hazardous.

With conditions expected to worsen, passengers traveling to or from the Northeast should remain flexible and monitor weather forecasts. Those with flexibility in their travel plans may want to consider rescheduling flights for later in the week to avoid the worst of the storm.

Major Airlines and Their Impact

Several major airlines have been heavily affected, including:

• Delta Air Lines: With 53 cancellations and 328 delays, Delta passengers are facing widespread disruptions, particularly at hubs like Atlanta and New York City.
• Spirit Airlines: This low-cost carrier has seen 15 cancellations and 83 delays, with significant impacts at airports like Orlando and Miami.
• SkyWest: This regional carrier is reporting 12 cancellations and 214 delays, particularly affecting smaller airports across the country.
• Southwest Airlines: With 3 cancellations and 221 delays, Southwest has been hit hard, particularly in its home base of Dallas/Fort Worth.
• United Airlines: United has experienced 5 cancellations and 147 delays, with its operations largely impacted at airports like Chicago O’Hare and Denver.

Other airlines, such as American Airlines, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines, are also reporting delays and cancellations, affecting passengers nationwide.

Airports Affected by Weather and Operations

Several key airports in the U.S. are experiencing operational disruptions due to deicing, ground delays, and weather-related issues:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL): With an average delay of 45 minutes, ATL is facing heavy delays due to thunderstorms. As one of the busiest airports in the U.S., these delays are compounded by the sheer volume of flights.
• Boston Logan International (BOS): Deicing operations started early, and passengers are facing disruptions across the airport.
• Miami International (MIA): Delays are averaging 15 minutes, with operational challenges leading to ongoing issues.
• Seattle-Tacoma (SEA): Deicing operations have also started, causing delays and creating headaches for passengers traveling through the Pacific Northwest.
• Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE): Ground delays have been issued due to high airport volume, with delays averaging 89 minutes.

Airports across the East Coast, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., are particularly affected by the ongoing nor’easter storm, which is expected to bring blizzard conditions, reduced visibility, and hazardous travel conditions.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers experiencing delays and cancellations, there are a few key steps to take:

• Stay Updated: Airlines and airports are regularly updating flight statuses on their official websites and mobile apps. Check for the latest information on your flight.
• Contact Your Airline: In case of cancellations, passengers should contact their airline to discuss rebooking options. Many airlines are offering alternative flight options and waiving rebooking fees due to the severe weather.
• Consider Alternative Routes: If your flight is severely delayed or canceled, consider rerouting through other airports or connecting flights to reach your destination.
• Prepare for Extended Delays: With the ongoing storm and airport congestion, delays may last longer than anticipated. Passengers should prepare for extended waits, bringing snacks, entertainment, and other essentials.

Conclusion

Today’s flight disruptions highlight the unpredictable nature of winter travel, with severe weather, deicing procedures, and operational issues affecting airlines and airports across the United States. Passengers should stay informed, prepare for potential delays, and reach out to their airlines for assistance. As the storm progresses, more delays and cancellations are likely, particularly in the Northeast and along the East Coast.

Souce: FlightAware and affected airports