Omicron and Winter Weather Spark More Flight Cancellations and Delays

More than 300 flight cancellations in the U.S. are disrupting plans for holiday travelers trying to get home or to their final destinations today. Stormy winter weather, as well as pilots and crew members affected by the Omicron variant, are the main reasons cited for the ongoing flight cancellations and delays. And travelers can expect these issues to continue into the New Year.

Airports in Seattle and Chicago continue to struggle with dangerous winter weather; meanwhile, airports in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles continue to see heavy delays. And yesterday, Tuesday (Dec. 28), marked the fourth consecutive day, U.S. flight cancellations exceeded 1,000.

Impacted by a snowstorm in Seattle over the weekend, Alaska Airlines canceled 17% of its scheduled mainland flights on Tuesday, while its regional subsidiary Horizon Air canceled 22% of its scheduled flights. And the airline anticipates more difficulties this week, with more bad weather expected employees calling in sick due to the COVID-19 infection.

Alaska Airlines isn’t the only U.S. carrier affected by the staggering flight cancellations. Delta said it canceled more than 250 of its 4,100-plus scheduled mainline and regional flights. United and its regional carrier, United Express, canceled 132 flights on Tuesday. 

What to Do if Your Flight Has Been Canceled
So, what do you do if you get stranded at the airport because your flight is canceled or delayed? Here are a few proactive things you can do if your plans get disrupted, according to NBC News.  

1. If you’re already at the airport and your flight has been canceled, get online and get on the phone to talk to an airline representative as soon as possible.

2. If your flight is canceled, you can try to get on a later flight or if you decide not to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund under federal law. 

3. A refund may also be available if a carrier significantly delays your flight.