Winter weather can drastically alter travel plans, but one aspect to ease your mind is the legal requirement for U.S. airlines to provide refunds for canceled flights. This becomes particularly important as a significant winter storm is poised to affect nearly half of the U.S. population, bringing snow, sleet, ice, and severe power outages. Thousands of flights over the weekend have already been canceled, and forecasters warn that the storm could cause damage comparable to that of a hurricane, particularly in ice-prone areas.

As travel disruptions begin to pile up, here’s a guide to help passengers navigate the chaotic conditions.

Keep an Eye on Weather Forecasts

Airlines tend to offer passengers the option to postpone their trips without additional fees when severe weather is anticipated. It’s prudent to search online for your airline’s name along with terms like “travel alerts” to see if they are providing options for rescheduling. For instance, American Airlines announced that it would waive change fees for those affected by the winter storm, which had started impacting parts of Texas. The airline canceled over 1,200 flights set to depart on Saturday, as reported by aviation analytics firm Cirium. To accommodate those affected, American has also arranged additional flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, totaling over 3,200 extra seats through at least Sunday.

Check Before Heading to the Airport

Utilize your airline's app to verify that your flight remains scheduled before making your way to the airport. Cancellations can occur not only hours but even days in advance of departure times, making it essential to stay informed.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled

If you find yourself at the airport when your flight is canceled, it's advisable to join the line for customer service promptly. Should you be at home or your hotel, contacting the airline's reservations staff online or by phone is the best course of action. Meanwhile, it's wise to explore alternate flights to streamline the rebooking process. Most airlines will offer to rebook you without extra charges, provided there are available seats on later flights.

Can I Get Booked on Another Airline?

While it is possible to get booked on another carrier, airlines are not obligated to do so. Some major airlines state they can accommodate you on partner carriers, though this can vary widely.

Am I Entitled to a Refund?

In cases of flight cancellations, if you decide not to proceed with your trip or have found alternate travel arrangements, the airline is legally obligated to refund your fare – even for non-refundable tickets. The reasons behind the cancellation do not impact your refund rights. Airlines may suggest a travel credit, but you are specifically entitled to a full refund, along with refunds for any bag fees, seat upgrades, or other additional services that were not rendered.

Refund Timeline

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if you used a credit card for the purchase, the airline must issue a refund within seven business days once you have declined an alternative flight or voucher. If payment was made via check or cash, the refund timeframe extends to 20 calendar days.

What Else Might My Airline Cover?

U.S. airlines are not mandated by the Transportation Department to compensate for meals or hotels during an “uncontrollable” event like inclement weather. Each airline, however, has its own protocol for assisting passengers stranded due to “controllable” cancellations or significant delays, which might be due to maintenance issues, crew shortages, or operational disruptions. The Transportation Department holds airlines accountable for these commitments and provides a platform to inform travelers of what each airline promises in case of major disruptions attributed to their fault.

Other Considerations

If bad weather is on the horizon, travel expert Kyle Potter from Thrifty Traveler suggests that booking a backup flight might be a practical strategy. Certain airlines allow customers to obtain a full refund if they cancel within 24 hours of booking, making them preferable for back-up plans. Moreover, during peak times of cancellations, customer service lines could be overwhelmed, so if traveling with someone who holds a higher frequent flyer status, it's wise to use that priority number. Alternatively, trying the airline’s international support number can also yield better service, as those agents often have the capabilities to assist with rebooking as well.