Inclement weather from a severe winter storm that is expected to pummel the U.S. will also likely impact flights in South Florida throughout the weekend.
Miami International Airport officials advised travelers to check with their airlines for the latest on flight statuses.
So far on Friday, dozens of delays and about a dozen cancellations have been reported at MIA. Only a handful of cancellations have been reported at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Winter Storm Fern
The storm, which began early Friday and continues through the weekend, is also projected to bring heavy snow and all types of wintry precipitation, including freezing rain and sleet. An atmospheric river of moisture could be in place by the weekend, pulling precipitation across Texas and other states along the Gulf Coast and continuing across Georgia and the Carolinas before heading northeast, forecasters said.
“Snow amounts could reach a foot or more in the I-95 major cities from D.C. to Boston,” said weather service forecasters on the East Coast, who are increasingly confident the storm will strike the big cities.
More than 1,500 flights scheduled to fly through U.S. airports Saturday were canceled by the time the storm began early Friday, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. Airports in Dallas, Atlanta, Oklahoma and Tennessee were among the most affected.
Airlines suspend change fees
Delta Air Lines said the winter weather may impact 41 airports, including the airline’s Atlanta hub, from Friday to Sunday. Flyers are able to change their bookings with no fees.
United Airlines issued a travel alert saying 35 airports across the South and the Northeast may be impacted, and is also waiving fees and fare differences for rescheduled trips.
American Airlines said customers traveling through 34 impacted airports can also rebook travel from tomorrow to Sunday for no fee.
Southwest Airlines said scheduled service at 26 airports may be disrupted, and passengers can rebook without airfare change fees. Southwest also said canceled or significantly delayed flights may be eligible for a refund.
