Severe winter storms in the U.S.  Midwest and heavy snow over the weekend have caused widespread travel disruptions, resulting in numerous flight cancellations and delays as the country braces for several days of challenging weather.  

According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, more than 1,700 U.S. flights had been canceled and more than 3,500 others delayed as of Monday noon Eastern Time. Among the hardest-hit were Southwest, which had canceled 10% of its scheduled flights, and American Airlines, which had canceled 5%.

Most U.S.-based airlines issued waivers allowing travelers to change or cancel flights without penalty due to adverse weather conditions. However, the individual airlines' terms did vary based on specific airports and rebooking windows, among other factors.

For instance, Alaska Airlines granted waivers to those flying at select airports, while American Airlines, Jetblue, and Southwest offered to waive flight change and cancelation fees for customers flying between Jan. 4 and 6.

Frontier and United Airlines also allowed passengers traveling between Jan. 5 and 6 to make changes to their flight without paying extra cost, while Delta Air Lines waived flight change fee to those who were traveling on Jan 6 only.

Travelers are advised to check the websites of their respective airlines for the latest information.

The disruption of air travel across the US began on December 21, 2024, when Winter Storm Elliot resulted in freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, disrupting the travel schedules of millions across the U.S. during the end-year holiday season.

As a result, over 12,000 flights within, into, and out of the United States were reportedly canceled by Christmas Eve, according to

The extreme weather continued into Christmas day, when 3,200 flights were canceled, with 2,546 additional cancellations on December 26. In the wake of the recent challenges, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been to keep the situation under control and reduce further travel-related chaos.  

To protect consumers against flight cancellations, the U.S. Department of Transport (DOT) provides resources that can assist travelers in case of flight disruptions.

DOT's Dashboard and Why Passengers Should Check It

The Cancellation and Delay Dashboard on the DOT website outlines the services each major U.S. airline provides when flights are canceled or greatly delayed.

Under new DOT regulations that started late last October, airlines must refund passengers if their flights were delayed for reasons within the carrier's control. The rules also hold the airlines more accountable for offering customer service as promised in their guidelines.

DOT considers a three-hour or more delayed departure or arrival of a domestic flight and a six-hour or more delayed arrival of an international flight to be significant delays. It also defines a controllable delay as an incident within the airline's control, such as maintenance, crew, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling.

Weather or air traffic control delays do not fall into the category of controllable delays. Therefore, some of the offers listed under controllable delays may not apply. Passengers whose travel is delayed significantly by factors within the airline's control can request a refund without traveling.

Depending upon the circumstances, passengers may be entitled to compensation and amenities, including being rebooked onto another flight or airline with no additional charges and food and lodging vouchers, among other courtesies.

Though none of the major airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays, its largest airlines -American, Delta, United, and Southwest—provide hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight delays.

Whether for any reason a flight is canceled, passengers are entitled to a refund if they do not wish to travel. They may also be entitled to compensation or accommodations in the form of rebooking, meal, and lodging vouchers. The four majors currently offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers when the cancellation requires an overnight stay.

To make flying safer and easier, the DOT recommends that travelers learn their airline's policies and speak up for themselves when there's a disruption. Passengers should contact the airline using their app, on social media, by calling or visiting an airport information desk.

DOT also suggests travelers know their options for alternative flights in advance and ask questions about available accommodations or refunds.