As Winter Storm Blair makes its way throughout the Central and Eastern United States, airlines are trying to assist travelers on affected flights with alternative options and travel waivers.
Perfect (weather) timing.
Many weather forecasts believe Winter Storm Blair will be the first major storm of the winter season in the United States. The storm developed over the New Year, coinciding with a significant southward shift in the polar jet stream over North America, from northern latitudes in Canada to the southern United States.
The surge of polar air over the US brought temperatures to around -20 degrees Celsius (~0 degrees Fahrenheit) with wind-chill.
After forming over the Rocky Mountains, the storm began to move across the United States towards the East Coast along the powerful polar jet stream. During the first week and weekend of 2025, the Great Plains received more over a foot (~0.3 meters) of snowfall.
Over 50 million Americans were remained under a weather advisory, watch, or warning as of Sunday as a result of the big winter storm.
Even after the storm passed across the west over the weekend, travel and aircraft problems continued, including in Colorado. Winter Storm Blair brought severe fog and snow to Denver International Airport on Sunday, causing over 600 aircraft delays and 100 cancellations.
Waivers, waivers, and more waivers
Winter Storm Blair has caused a significant financial “freeze” for airlines. The storm’s path has placed airports in the direct path of the storm, including Saint Louis, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and the three major Washington DC airports – IAD, BWI, and DCA, where snowfall is forecast to be 6 inches (15 centimeters) or more.
As a result, airlines have been preparing for flight delays and cancellations until the storm moves into the Atlantic Ocean later this week.
Let’s take a look at what some of the big US airlines are doing to help their customers affected by the winter storm.
United Airlines
Up until Monday, passengers flying to, from, and between Cincinnati (CVG), St. Louis (STL), Indianapolis (IND), Kansas City (MCI), Lincoln (LNK), and a dozen more Midwestern airports can re-book their tickets on the United Airlines website with no change fees. The only requirements are that passengers keep their departure and arrival cities the same and travel before January 13th.
The airline is also allowing travelers departing from 11 “Mid-Atlantic” region airports (including Nashville (BNA) and the Washington DC area airports – IAD, DCA, and BWI) to rebook under the same terms.
Delta Air Line
The company is waiving change costs for travelers flying to, from, and through the same cities as United, including Philadelphia International Airport. This is somewhat unexpected, as the Southeastern Pennsylvania airport is only projected to receive 3 to 4 inches of snow at most. Delta Air Lines tickets for Sunday-Monday flights must be used before January 10th to avoid cancellation.
American Airlines
American Airlines is giving free flight adjustments for passengers going to and from Syracuse (SYR) and Buffalo (BUF) in Upstate New York, despite the fact that Winter Storm Blair is not expected to affect places north of Central New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
This is due to poor visibility and a “Lake Snow Effect Warning” that is now in force for parts of New York State, including the Syracuse and Buffalo metro areas.
In essence, the Lake Snow Effect happens when a cold air mass travels over the warm waters of the Great Lakes between Canada and the United States during the winter.
The warmer waters of the Great Lakes (Lake Erie in this example) magnify the cold air mass, transforming what would have been a few minor snow showers into low-visibility snowstorms.
American Airlines is also offering free rebooking to clients flying to the most cities hit by the winter weather of the three major US airlines. Passengers who rebook with American Airlines must do so before January 9th.
1: What is a travel waiver?
A travel waiver allows passengers to rebook or adjust flights without incurring additional fees due to weather-related disruptions.
2: How do I know if my flight is eligible for a waiver?
Check your airline’s website or contact their customer service. Waivers typically apply to flights departing from, arriving at, or connecting through affected cities during specific dates.
3: What happens if I can’t rebook my flight within the waiver period?
You may need to pay the standard rebooking fees or fare differences if you rebook after the waiver deadline.
4: Can I request a refund instead of rebooking?
Refund policies vary by airline. For significantly delayed or canceled flights, many airlines offer refunds if the passenger chooses not to travel.