Snow and ice force cancellations across multiple states
As a powerful winter storm system moves east, Delta Air Lines is canceling flights at select airports across North Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Forecasts call for significant snowfall in Oklahoma and widespread ice accumulation across northern Texas beginning Friday evening, prompting proactive safety measures.
The airline said cancellations are necessary to protect customers and employees as hazardous conditions develop. Travelers affected by canceled flights are being automatically rebooked on the next best available itinerary, with additional changes available through the Delta app and Delta.com.
Staffing boosted at cold weather hubs
Delta is also adjusting staffing levels in anticipation of operational challenges. The carrier is sending experienced personnel from cold weather hubs to assist with deicing and baggage handling at airports including Atlanta, Birmingham, Huntsville, Knoxville and Nashville.
These steps are intended to reduce delays and maintain service reliability as ice and freezing rain complicate ground operations.
Northeast impacts expected this weekend
The storm system is forecast to reach the Northeast starting Sunday afternoon. In response, Delta has issued a travel waiver for Eastern North America, expanding on an earlier winter weather waiver covering parts of the central and southeastern United States.
The waivers apply to travel to, from or through affected cities and allow customers to modify their plans without paying change fees.
Guidance and refund options for customers
Delta encourages customers to check flight status before heading to the airport using the Delta app or Delta.com. The airline also recommends using the app’s self-service standby feature, where available, to move to earlier flights if seats open up.
Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, customers on domestic itineraries who experience delays of three hours or more and choose not to travel are entitled to a full refund for the unflown portion of their ticket. For international itineraries, the same refund eligibility applies after a delay of six hours or more.
Delta said it will continue monitoring conditions closely and provide customers with as much advance notice as possible regarding schedule changes.