Severe weather in the Northeast has caused widespread travel disruptions, grounding flights, delaying schedules, and frustrating travelers. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening — and what you can do to get moving again.
Storms Disrupt Air Travel Across the Northeast
From October 12 through October 13, a powerful Nor’easter swept across the Northeast, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding that grounded or delayed hundreds of flights.
While rain has been sporadic, the high-speed winds and standing floodwaters have been the biggest culprits behind flight cancellations. Major airports have been forced to implement ground stops and delay programs, leading to a cascade of delays across the country.
For travelers trying to make it home or reach their destinations before the storm worsens, the situation has been stressful — and airlines say they understand.
Because weather is unpredictable and safety comes first, having a backup plan and knowing your rebooking options is crucial.
Airports Most Affected by the Nor’easter
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the following major airports have experienced ground stops and flight delays due to the storm:
- Boston, MA (BOS)
- Newark, NJ (EWR)
- White Plains, NY (HPN)
- New York City – JFK (JFK)
- New York City – LaGuardia (LGA)
- Norfolk, VA (ORF)
Other nearby airports are also reporting weather-related challenges, with flight tracking data showing cascading delays caused by low staffing levels and ongoing weather volatility.
If you’re flying in or out of the Northeast, it’s essential to check your flight status regularly and stay in contact with your airline for the latest updates.
Airline Policies and Passenger Options
Here’s how major U.S. airlines are handling weather-related cancellations and rebooking as of October 13, 2025:
American Airlines
American Airlines has expanded its travel waivers for passengers affected by the storm. Impacted airports include:
Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Hampton/Newport News (PHF), Hartford (BDL), Manchester (MHT), Philadelphia (PHL), Portland (PWM), Providence (PVD), Richmond (RIC), Salisbury/Ocean City (SBY), and both Washington, D.C. airports (IAD and DCA).
Rebooking Policy:
- Change fees are waived for travelers flying between October 12–13, 2025.
- Tickets must have been purchased by October 10, 2025.
- Passengers can rebook travel for dates between October 10–15, 2025, as long as they:
- Keep the same origin and destination cities
- Stay in the same cabin (or pay the fare difference if not available)
- Changes must be made by October 13, 2025.
- Travel must be completed within one year of the original ticket date.
Travelers can modify their bookings online under “Change Trip” or contact Reservations for support.
Delta Air Lines
Delta is also offering flexible rebooking for travelers impacted by the storm.
Key Details:
- Tickets must be reissued by October 16, 2025.
- Rebooked travel must begin no later than October 16, 2025.
- If passengers fly on or before October 16 in the same cabin, fare differences will be waived.
- Rebooking after October 16 may incur fare differences but no change fees.
If passengers can’t rebook within those dates, they can cancel their trip and use the value of their unused ticket toward future travel within one year of the original issue date.
United Airlines
For travelers with tickets purchased on or before October 9, 2025, United is waiving both change fees and fare differences for affected routes.
Requirements:
- Rebooked travel must be between October 9 and October 15, 2025.
- The new flight must be a United-operated service.
- The itinerary must remain between the same cities and in the same cabin as the original booking.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is offering flexible options for passengers flying through affected airports, including:
- Hartford, CT (BDL)
- Hyannis, MA (HYA)
- Islip/Long Island, NY (ISP)
- Martha’s Vineyard, MA (MVY)
- Manchester, NH (MHT)
- Portland, ME (PWM)
- Providence, RI (PVD)
JetBlue’s Rebooking Window:
- Travelers can rebook flights for October 14–21, 2025, prior to the original departure time.
- If a flight was canceled, passengers can opt for a full refund to the original form of payment.
Travel Tips During Severe Weather
If your flight has been delayed or canceled, here’s how to minimize stress and keep your trip on track:
- Check flight status frequently — airline apps and FAA updates are your best sources.
- Rebook early — the sooner you act, the more rebooking options you’ll have.
- Sign up for flight alerts from your airline or TripIt.
- Know your rights — airlines are not required to compensate for weather delays, but many offer waivers or refunds voluntarily.
- Arrange accommodations in advance if you suspect an overnight delay.
