TSA officers watch performance of Christmas classics for air travelers
TSA agents cheerfully sang Mariah Carey’s hit song “All I Want for Christmas is You” as they waved off air travelers.
Severe weather gripped parts of the United States on Christmas Day, causing delays and cancellations for hundreds of holidaymakers trying to return home.
The Upper Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic experienced a white Christmas with a mix of snow, freezing rain, and sleet. The second system is expected to bring even colder winter weather and several inches of snow into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Meanwhile, in Southern California, historic rainfall from atmospheric rivers flooded roads, caused massive power outages and caused mudslides. Cities like Los Angeles, Burbank, and Santa Barbara experienced record rainfall during the holiday itself.
As of 1:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 26, more than 4,000 U.S. flights had been delayed and more than 1,300 had been canceled, according to aviation tracking site FlightAware. New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport are the most affected, accounting for 22%, 17%, and 18% of canceled outbound flights, respectively.
Here’s what you need to know if your flight is affected.
Amount payable if flight is canceled or delayed
Travelers whose flights are canceled for any reason are entitled to a full refund if they decide not to fly or are denied compensation such as credits or vouchers, the Department of Transport said. If you wish to proceed with your trip, you have the right to rebook without penalty.
Weather is considered outside the airline’s control, so if a flight is canceled or delayed, travelers are not entitled to any additional fees, such as a hotel stay.
Travelers can also check DOT’s consumer dashboard to see what airlines are committed to providing in the event of delays or cancellations.
Does the airline offer exemptions?
Several airlines are offering relief to travelers affected by the winter storm from rebooking or canceling flights without a fee. Travelers can visit the airline’s website for more information.
