A huge winter storm is expected to slam the US Northeast this week, bringing a foot or more of snow to Washington, DC; New York City; Boston; Philadelphia; and other cities.
According to FlightAware.com, airlines have cancelled more than 1,500 flights today with another 5,000 or so flights cancelled for Tuesday as a preemptive measure.
For passengers ticketed for travel into or out of the Northeastern US this week, please visit your airline's website for more information on cancellations and re-booking procedures.
Thus far, American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska, and Virgin America have instituted travel waivers for those affected by severe delays or flight cancellations. These waivers will allow affected passengers to re-book or cancel their flights free of additional charge. However, details such as dates of travel included in the waivers vary by airline.
Airlines are also making contingency plans. Emirates airliners inbound for the New York area will be taking on extra fuel in case they need to divert to destinations as far south as Orlando and, according to the carrier, because airports in Boston and Washington may not be available.
The Northeast has experienced a relatively mild winter, with warm temperatures and just a few big snowstorms. But the season is now set to end with some challenging weather for travelers.
If you're planning to travel by air to the Northeast this week, check with your airline for updates.
In the New York City area, public ground transportation authorities were also bracing for the biggest predicted snowfall to hit the region in March since the early 1960s.
"MTA personnel will continue to monitor the U.S. National Weather Service and have direct access to a customized weather prediction service that provides regularly updated weather forecasts," the MTA said in an update. "Substantial MTA service changes are anticipated across subways, buses, Metro-North and LIRR. "
The MTA "strongly encouraged" residents of the region "to sign up for the MTA’s various electronic notification systems via www.mymtaalerts.com and checkwww.mta.info."
