Snowstorm in forecast prompts airlines to waive fees to change, cancel flights

Many of the nation's largest airlines have announced they will drop fees to change or cancel flights potentially affected by a massive weekend snowstorm, which forecasters predict could drop up to 15 inches across Long Island and the rest of the metropolitan area.

The major carriers, including American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United, have issued travel alerts for the weekend for all of New York and New Jersey's major airports, as well as others on the East Coast, that would allow passengers to rebook without additional fees.

For many of the carriers, the alerts extend to the south, southeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States as well.

For example, United Airlines is waiving fees and fare differences for rescheduled trips scheduled to depart between Jan. 24 and Jan. 26 for 35 airports across the south and the Northeast. The new flight, however, must take place before Jan. 28.

Delta Air Lines issued a similar alert for 41 airports across the northeast, south and southeast U.S. Rebooked travel must occur before Jan. 29.

JetBlue issued a travel alert for 17 airports, including Long Island MacArthur in Ronkonkoma, for customers traveling between Jan. 24 and Jan. 26. Customers can rebook without additional fees by Jan. 31 or opt for a refund.

In addition, American Airlines announced that customers traveling through 34 affected airports between Jan. 24 and Jan. 27 can also rebook without fees, although new flights must be booked by Jan. 27.

Southwest Airlines said scheduled service at 26 airports, also including Long Island MacArthur, will likely be disrupted, and passengers with tickets between Jan. 23 and Jan. 26 can be rebooked without fees or passengers can seek a refund.

The New York City Emergency Management posted on X that flight delays and cancellations are possible across the region starting Friday and continuing through the storm.

"Severe winter weather can affect airport operations, deicing, runway conditions, crew availability, and air traffic nationwide," the post said. "Even flights outside the Northeast may be impacted due to aircraft and crew being out of position.

By Robert Brodsky

robert.brodsky@newsday.com@BrodskyRobert

Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.