Is my flight cancelled? Winter storm causes cancellations in the south

On By Littum

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A severe winter storm in Texas is already having far-reaching consequences for air travel.

More than 1,300 U.S. flights have been canceled and about 1,400 others have been delayed as of 8 p.m. 11 a.m. ET Thursday, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. Most of these cancellations are around Dallas, a hub for both American and Southwest Airlines. Ten percent of all American Airlines flights and 7% of all Southwest flights have already been canceled.

The storm is expected to move east toward the Delta center in Atlanta on Friday and then up into the Mid-Atlantic, dumping a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain along the way, according to the National Weather Service.

Here’s what travelers planning to fly in the next two days should know.

Winter storm warningp

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter storm warning and Winter Weather Advisory for North and Central Texas until early Friday.

“Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 5 inches will be possible in the warning area, and isolated amounts up to 8 inches within more intense bands north and northeast of the DFW Metroplex,” according to the National Weather Service.

For perspective, Dallas typically gets an average of 2.6 inches of snow for the entire year, according to the city Office of Economic Development.

Winter storm warnings are in effect across the country several statesthat extends into Kentucky and Alabama, Thursday morning.

Flight cancellations on Thursday

More than 40% of Thursday’s flights in and out of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field have been canceled.

“Travelers are asked to check local road conditions and allow extra time to reach the airport,” Dallas Fort Worth International wrote on its website. “Airport customers should check their flight status directly with their airline for the latest flight information.”

Dallas Love Field, home of Southwest, has a similar announcement on its website. It’s solid advice for air travelers flying into or through the Southeast until Friday.

Airline exemptions

Airlines have issued travel waivers for selected destinations, allowing passengers to rebook their flights to a later date within a short window.

What am I entitled to if my flight is canceled or delayed?

If your flight is canceled for any reason, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to hold out, you may still be eligible for some compensation or accommodation, including rebooking on another flight or airline at no cost, food and logic vouchers for qualifying delays and other benefits.

A new DOT rule that went into effect in late October also requires airlines to reimburse passengers if their flight is significantly delayed for reasons beyond the carrier’s control, and also makes airlines more responsible for follow their own customer obligations in these cases. The weather is especially beyond the control of the airlines.

The four major US airlines (American, Delta, Southwest and United) all offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight stays as a result of a flight cancellation. No US airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays, but many offer accommodations such as meal vouchers and rebooking for controllable delays. Again, the weather is out of their control.

The Ministry of Transport has a consumer dashboard outlines the policies of all major US airlines.

What to do if your flight is canceled or delayed

Look up your airline’s policies and be your own advocate. Get in touch with the airline, however you can, regardless of whether it’s via the app, via social media, by phone or at the airport’s help desk if you’re already on your way. It’s good to have some alternative flights in mind when you talk to an agent, and be sure to ask for any accommodations or refunds you may be eligible for if you plan to take advantage of these policies.

(This story has been updated with new information.)