Another winter blast threatens air travel in the Northeast, Deep South in the coming days

Aviation got off to a good start this long weekend, but that could change — first from snow in the Northeast and then in the Deep South thanks to a second winter storm, this one a potential hurricane now heating up the Texas coast.

First, wintry weather could cause congestion in the Northeast and New England on Sunday.

The second of the two flights could come Monday, when airports in the Deep South are already warning of another blast of wintry conditions that could wreak havoc in parts of the country that rarely see snow.

That includes the chance for snow to accumulate from Texas along the Gulf Coast to northern Florida and — perhaps most dangerous for fliers — north across the megahubs of Atlanta and Charlotte on Tuesday.

Weekend flight cancellations and possible delays

So far, travelers haven’t seen many flight delays or cancellations.

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However, Sunday’s brisk winter weather forecast threatens to dump snow on parts of metropolitan New York, New England and surrounding states, the National Weather Service warned – with accumulations of up to half a foot expected inland.

Many major American airlines have now issued travel advisories for the next few days, covering many major Northeast locations, from the three major airports in the New York City area, to Boston, Philadelphia and the Washington, DC region.

That waiver gives travelers more flexibility to make free ticket changes, even if they’re flying a ticket with more restrictions.

Northeast winter weather

Travelers should plan for disruptions arriving or departing from LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and especially John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said on Friday.

Those airports urged travelers to check with their airlines and build in extra time to get to the airport — especially at JFK, amid ongoing construction in much of the region.

The DC region has been devastated by the freezing cold

To make matters worse: Travelers at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) had to deal with a shutdown of its heating system in the terminals, which led to a drop in temperatures inside as travelers descended on the city – which itself prepares for cold temperatures – before the runway. The inauguration of President Donald Trump on Monday.

Winter weather is possible next week
While this weekend’s winter storm could disrupt air travel on Sunday and Monday, parts of the Deep South are already bracing for a winter storm that could disrupt travel.

The National Weather Service warned of “increasing strength” from the storm that could hit parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia – possibly bringing “accumulating snow and ice. That could include cities like Houston, New Orleans and Tallahassee, Florida , which rarely sees winter weather.

United Airlines, which operates a hub at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), has already issued another travel advisory for next week’s developing storm, covering a number of southern airports, including its Houston hub.

Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) similarly took to social media to note its preparations ahead of the approaching storm.

The region has been disrupted by severe storms, snow and ice in recent weeks. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the nation’s second busiest, saw thousands of flights canceled last month, due to bad weather.

Whether your tour takes you to the East Coast this weekend or parts of the South next week, here’s how you can start preparing now:

View travel advice

Check your airline’s website. If you’re planning to fly to the mid-Atlantic or Northeast in the next few days, your flight may be covered by one of the many travel advisories issued by major US carriers.

This can allow you to make travel changes easily from your airline’s app — even if you’re flying a regular limited-edition ticket like basic economy.

American Airlines’ tips, for example, include four of its major hubs: LaGuardia, JFK, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and DCA.

Southwest Airlines’ hub includes the busy Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), among other airports.

Here’s a summary of the current notices for the major US carriers:

Note that United has two separate warnings: one for a Northeast weather system this weekend that includes dozens of East Coast airlines, including its bases in Newark and Washington’s Dulles International Airport (IAH).

The Chicago-based carrier has a second advisory for a Deep South weather system next week, so you can start planning ahead, now, for potential disruptions.

Check your airline application

Be sure to download your airline app, and take a close look at it. You can receive notifications about flight delays or cancellations, and you’ll be able to see early signs of a problem with your travel plans.

Also: if your flight is delayed or cancelled, your airline may allow you to book a new flight right from the app.

This can save you valuable time that you would otherwise spend waiting with customer service.

Read more: Flight canceled or delayed? Here’s what to do next

See a good rebooking option? Don’t forget

If you’re fighting a flight delay and you see a decent rebooking option pop up on your airline’s app, don’t waste a second: Lock it!

With thousands of flights likely to be affected by winter weather in the coming days, many other passengers will be “competing” for seats on on-time flights. That means those open spaces will fill up quickly.

Don’t forget about the living room

If using your airline app to make travel changes is a constant, you might consider visiting the airline’s lounge (if you’re a member, of course). Customer service desks at airline clubs often have shorter wait times than you would find near the airport.

Just remember: this only applies to airport lounges affiliated with your airline; Clubs with a credit card name like the American Express Centurion Lounge or the Capital One Lounge – while a great place to kill time during a layover – won’t help you work on changing your flights.

Review your refund rights

Now is a good time to sort out your refund rights when it comes to air travel.

Under US Department of Transportation policy, airlines are required to refund the unfilled portion of your ticket when your flight is canceled or significantly delayed — only if you choose not to travel (and do not accept rebooking).

This rule applies even if the flight disruption is due to bad weather, and it can help you if you choose to stay home instead of taking a late flight during a winter storm.

Getting compensation for a delayed flight

Airlines have made numerous promises to the DOT for meals, hotel accommodations and other guarantees in the event of flight cancellations and major delays. However, remember, this usually applies to “manageable” disruptions (such as maintenance or personnel issues) and generally not work if bad weather affects travel.

This is where a travel credit card that offers travel insurance protection can come in handy, helping you cover unexpected expenses when a flight problem leaves you in the lurch. One catch: In most cases, you’ll need to book your trip with that card in order to make a successful claim.

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