UPDATE: Both American and Delta are now extendeding their penalty waivers through Feb. 16.
EARLIER: Okay, your flight was cancelled – and you’re not alone. Thousands of people had their flights cancelled or saw their airports shut down.
And that’s your cue to get moving and reschedule your flight NOW.
If you wait too long, you won’t get the flight you want – but even more important, you won’t be able to take full advantage of the airline’s “no penalty” storm ticketing policies.
Yes, all the airlines have issued waivers on those steep “change fees” (except Southwest which never charges a “change fee”) – but the airlines are now also allowing you to change your tickets without paying the difference on the price of a new ticket -for a limited time only.
Here are the basics for rebooking on several airlines without incurring that “differential penalty” – and click on the carrier’s name for all the details.
AirTran – rebook for travel within 10 days of original departure date
American – rebook for travel through Feb. 16
Continental – rebook for travel by Feb. 26 -28
Delta – rebook for travel through Feb. 16
JetBlue – rebook for travel anytime through the end of Feb.
Southwest – rebook for travel within 14 days of original departure, or opt for standby
United – rebook for travel within 7 days of original departure
US Airways – rebook for travel within 14 days of original departure
This is only good if my flight was actually cancelled. My AA flight was ON SCHEDULE for 3:50 pm departure yesterday. I was not confident since lots of other airlines had already cancelled their flights. I went through security and arrived at the gate waiting to board my flight. Up to 3 pm we were told we are still ON and boarding was scheduled for 3:20 pm. An announcement was made at 3:15 pm that the flight has been cancelled and we were told to go see a ticking agent at the counter. Of course there is a line 1000 miles long and only a few people working. I stood on line for 2 hours (while trying to call AA to rebook – was told nothing was available). When I finally got to an agent – she told me the same message – nothing available. When I asked her why was the flight cancelled SO LATE. She laughed at me and pointed outside the window (as if to say “if you stupid, look at the weather outside). I know about the weather. But AA confirmed the flight was ON SCHEDULE. Due to their lack of proactive planning, I wasted half a day of vacation, wasted money on transportation to the airport and then back home, and the water/drinks I purchased after security to carry on board the flight. All in all, it was just a hot mess and American takes no responsibilities. Their answer is “it’s the weather, not us”. My flight should have been cancelled in the morning so I can work on re-booking then. My brother’s CO flight from LAX to Newark was cancelled in December. CO not only rebooked his flight and also gave him and each one in his family coupons for dinner, breakfast and lunch. They even got a free hotel stay near LAX for the night.
Stella,
I doubt there’s anything I can say that’ll make you feel better, but I can suggest you write a letter – and send an email – to American. If they get enough of them, they may cancel flights earlier next time. Of course, that doesn’t help you now, I realize.
But I do thank you for writing and sharing your experience.
Rick
Thanks for your post, it’s really appreciated! I have been trying to call Delta all night. I was able to pick a different flight out on their website, very easily. I was wondering though, would it be possible to extend the duration of my trip though since the weekend was cancelled? I’m sitting on the phone, but it’s been busy. Just thought I may run it by someone.
Misty,
Sorry, that’s a question for the airline – but seeing how they’re being lenient with the penalties, you might be able to. Let us know what happens, okay?
Thanks,
Rick
Rick,
Just wanted to give you an update on what Delta did regarding my canceled flight. After two days of trying to reach them by phone and getting disconnected, I went and spoke with them in person when I checked in for my rescheduled flight out. I asked about extending my return flight and was told they could only replace the two days that I missed originally. Since I was asking for more time than that (another full weekend, since I missed the previous weekend because of the delay), I had to pay the $150 nonrefundable ticket change fee. I was fully expecting to pay this fee though as I was requesting more time on my trip than I missed. What I didn’t like however, was missing out on an entire weekend with my Husband before the storm even hit. So, here I am in a hotel room now while he’s working and our weekend was over before I even got here. Plus, when I called him and told him I wouldn’t be coming there were blue skies and no snow in sight. On the high side though, Delta did check my two bags at no charge, and I made here yesterday with no more problems.
Thanks,
Misty