Major U.S. airlines are rolling out travel waivers ahead of a massive winter storm that forecasters say could snarl travel plans across large parts of the country. The system is expected to bring heavy snow, ice, and intense cold to the South, Midwest, and Northeast starting Friday, potentially impacting up to 230 million people. With that wide of a reach, airlines are bracing for widespread delays and cancellations through the weekend. To help passengers adjust before airports get overwhelmed, several carriers are allowing eligible travelers to change flights without the usual penalties, as long as they meet specific ticket and travel date requirements. If you are scheduled to fly soon, now is the time to check your airline’s travel alert and make any changes early.
Some travelers are also adding extra protection before the storm hits. Hopper Technology Solutions said it has seen a 17% increase in travelers purchasing its “Disruption Assistance” option for flights this weekend. The company says several banks and airlines offer the plan, and it can allow customers to rebook on the next available flight, even if that flight is with a different carrier. Travelers may also be able to add the service after booking a flight, and the cost is typically about 10% of the trip price.
Below is a breakdown of how major airlines are responding to the incoming storm.
American Airlines Waiver Covers Dozens of Airports
American Airlines issued a travel alert advising customers in impacted areas that they may change their trips with change fees waived. The waiver applies to passengers flying to, through, or from 34 U.S. airports. To qualify, travelers must have purchased tickets on or before January 19, 2026, and be booked on flights between January 23 and January 25, 2026. Eligible passengers can change flights for free, but they must keep the same origin and destination cities. Any changes must be made by January 25, 2026. American also noted that travel must be completed within one year of the original ticket date.
Delta Encourages Customers to Rebook Without Fees
Delta is urging customers to take advantage of flexible change options as the winter weather approaches. The airline said it is offering customers with existing bookings the ability to change travel plans with no fees in order to minimize disruptions. Delta’s waiver applies to travelers across Texas, the Southeast, and the Northeast from Friday through Sunday. Customers may rebook flights departing on or before January 28, 2026. Delta also said it will notify affected travelers with a one time text or email if their flight is impacted, which can help passengers avoid constantly refreshing flight status pages.
Frontier Waives Change and Cancellation Fees With Limits
Frontier Airlines said it is waiving change and cancellation fees for flights affected by the storm. However, customers must keep the same origin and destination cities to qualify. Frontier also noted that travelers are responsible for paying any fare difference if the new flight costs more than the original. In other words, Frontier may remove the penalty fees, but the price of the replacement flight can still change depending on demand and availability. If you are flying Frontier, it is smart to explore alternate times and dates sooner rather than later, since cheaper seats can disappear quickly during weather events.
JetBlue Offers Rebooking or Cancellation for Select Cities
JetBlue issued a waiver that allows customers to rebook or cancel flights to or from a dozen cities without penalties. The airline’s terms require that original travel plans were booked before January 22, 2026. If you qualify, JetBlue’s waiver can make it easier to adjust plans early and avoid getting stuck in the worst part of the storm disruption. Travelers should still confirm whether their airport is included in the covered city list and review any rebooking deadlines. Even with waivers, popular alternate flights can fill fast once cancellations start rolling in.
Spirit Allows Rebooking Without Fare Differences Through Jan. 28
Spirit Airlines also issued a travel waiver and said it will not charge fare differences for customers who rebook weekend flights for travel through January 28, 2026. That is an important detail because many airlines waive change fees but still require customers to pay higher fares when rebooking. Spirit’s waiver removes that extra cost for eligible travelers, which can be a big advantage during high demand rebooking periods. If you have a Spirit flight booked for the storm window, it is worth checking earlier departures or later dates as soon as possible. The best replacement options are usually the first ones to disappear.
Southwest Warns of Delays and Lets Customers Rebook
Southwest Airlines warned customers scheduled to fly between January 23 and January 26, 2026, that flights could be delayed, diverted, or canceled due to the storm. The airline said travelers with reservations during that period may rebook without paying a change in airfare. That flexibility can help customers shift flights earlier, push them later, or rework connections to avoid the hardest hit regions. Southwest’s network often provides multiple daily flight options, which can make rebooking easier if seats remain available. Still, weather disruptions tend to create a domino effect, so moving quickly can make the process far less stressful.
United Waives Change Fees and Fare Differences for Eligible Tickets
United Airlines said customers who purchased tickets before January 20, 2026, for travel between January 24 and January 26, 2026, can reschedule trips with change fees and fare differences waived. United’s waiver includes restrictions that travelers should pay close attention to. New flights must depart between January 21 and January 28, 2026, and travel must remain between the same cities originally booked. If you qualify, this is one of the more generous waivers because it removes both common barriers to rebooking: fees and fare increases. As always, the earlier you change your flight, the more likely you are to find a good alternative.
As the storm approaches, travelers flying this weekend should monitor flight status often, watch for airline notifications, and review waiver details before heading to the airport. If your route overlaps with the affected regions, rebooking early can save you from long hold times, packed terminals, and limited seat availability once cancellations pile up.
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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance