Major airlines are bracing for a winter storm set to impact the Gulf Coast, with cancellations and delays expected due to the incoming icy conditions. The storm, which is forecasted to bring snow and ice, will affect travel from Texas to North Carolina, spanning a 1,500-mile stretch. Winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories are in effect for eight states from Monday evening through Wednesday.
In response, several airlines are proactively making changes to accommodate travelers. American Airlines has waived fees and issued travel alerts for 38 cities along the Gulf Coast. Breeze Airways also implemented a travel waiver on Monday for Portland, Maine, and Manchester, New Hampshire airports. For Tuesday, Breeze expanded its waivers to include Gulfport, Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Pensacola, Florida.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in anticipation of the storm’s impact. Delta Air Lines issued a Gulf Coast winter weather advisory through Wednesday, warning that 17 airports across eight states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia—could experience disruptions. JetBlue followed suit, waiving change/cancel fees and fare differences for passengers traveling Monday and Tuesday to and from several cities in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas.
United Airlines posted a Gulf Coast weather alert through Wednesday, covering nearly 30 cities, while Southwest Airlines advised passengers that flights along the Gulf Coast could be delayed, diverted, or canceled. As of Monday afternoon, over 1,600 flights for Tuesday had been canceled, according to FlightAware, a flight-tracking service.
In Houston, all three major airports—George Bush Intercontinental, Hobby, and Ellington—announced they would cease operations at midnight Tuesday due to the storm. Travelers in the affected areas are advised to check with their airlines for updated information and possible rebookings.
