Airlines Offer Travel Waivers As Major Storm Approaches PA

PENNSYLVANIA — Some of the nation's biggest airlines have issued travel waivers to passengers as massive winter storm system moves across the nation, potentially causing significant delays to passengers coming to and from Philadelphia, Newark, New York, Pittsburgh, and other major airports.

In most cases, a waiver means tickets can be changed for another date without an extra fee. Airlines are continuing to update information on their websites as forecasts become more precise. Be sure to check the specific language on the airlines’ website about travel waivers and what travel dates are available for rebooking.

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Nearly one million travelers are expected to arrive and depart from Philadelphia International Airport from Dec. 21 through Jan. 3, according to estimates from airport officials.

Nationally, roughly 7.2 million people are expected to fly to their holiday destinations.

As of midday Tuesday, here’s the latest information on airline waivers:

United Airlines, headquartered in Chicago, is offering winter waivers in the Midwest, Texas, the East Coast, and for the Central and Northwest U.S.

The United Midwest waivers affect about 30 airports, and are good on tickets purchased by Saturday. Dec. 17, for travel from Dec. 21-25.

About 50 airports are affected on the East Coast, and the waivers apply for tickets purchased by Sunday, Dec. 18, for travel between Dec. 22-25.

American Airlines, which is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is offering waivers for about 30 airports in the Midwest and another 30 in the Northeast. More information is available on the airline’s website.

Southwest Airlines, headquartered in Dallas, has issued winter weather waivers in the Rocky Mountains, Midwest, East and Northeast regions.

JetBlue, the Queens, New York-based discount carrier, has offered waivers to people changing flights in or out of airports in Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Spirit Airlines, another discount carrier based in Miramar, Florida, said it would issue winter weather waivers on travel to and from about 18 airports in the Midwest and Northeast.

Delta, based in Atlanta, is offering waivers for travel in and out of about a dozen airports in the Northwest and Mountain Region.

Alaska Airlines, based in the Seattle metro area, had issued waivers on flights to and from Seattle.