What to Do when Airlines Cancel Flights Due to Bad Weather

A surprising number of airlines do not directly state their weather cancellation policies on their web site. Perhaps this is because so many of these decisions are made on the fly and are occasionally at the mercy of the Federal Aviation Administration and the airports themselves. However, airports do not cancel flights - ever. Only airlines can cancel their flights. Airports can only temporarily close their runways, preventing any planes from taking off or landing.

That decision is made in cooperation with the FAA. According to the Baltimore Washington International Airport's department of Public Affairs, the Director of Operations works closely with the FAA during inclement weather conditions. There are a number of employees involved in the decision and communication of the decision to suspend flights. The BWI's web site says "only during severe weather would runways close."

Airlines can only make money when airports are open and they are flying. Delta's profits were cut by $45 million in 2010 due to weather problems. So when the decision is made to suspend air travel, it's usually for the safety of everyone involved. It's not that anyone questions their safety, but what they are questioning is the airline's timing. Why don't some flights get canceled sooner?

Some travelers, feel that airlines won't cancel flights in advance of bad weather because that allows the passengers to choose another carrier, and they lose money. A specific example of this type of traveler is Jason Cochran, a travel reporter who communicated online about his Virgin America flight during the winter storm of December 2010. Virgin America did not cancel his flight out of JFK. He writes on this blog about how, had he tried to cancel his ticket, he would have been charged $250. In hindsight, Cochran says, "I wish I had paid it!"

Even when the weather looks like impending doom, the airlines are going to do their best to get everyone to their destinations safely if at all possible, right up until the last moment. Just keep in mind that humans, not gods, run these airlines and a decision to cancel a flight after you've already arrived at the airport is not their best attempt to ruin you personally. Knowing each airline's policy before you buy a ticket will at least arm you with the knowledge of what your options are, should you be grounded during Snowmageddon IV.

Here's a brief look at some of the airline's policies as stated on their web sites:

Delta: "If the change is due to circumstances beyond our control, we will have no liability to you other than to refund your ticket price. If the change is due to circumstances within our control, then we will transport you to your destination on our next available flight."

American Airlines: (only comments on tarmac delays) "On domestic flights customers will be given the opportunity to deplane the aircraft before the ground delay exceeds three hours."

Jet Blue: (only comments about if you cancel) "Cancellations are for a JetBlue travel credit only, which is valid for one year."

Southwest: (didn't comment on their site about weather cancellations) "Unused, fully refundable tickets, that do not carry restrictions may be applied toward future travel or refunded within one year from the date of issue."

Virgin America: (couldn't find flight cancellation policies listed, but did find tarmac delay policy) "Virgin America will not permit an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three (3) hours unless there is a safety or security related reason to do so or local Air Traffic Control (ATC) advises that to return would significantly disrupt airport operations."

United: "At United, we make safety a priority in everything we do. Sometimes that commitment to safety means that we aren't able to operate a flight as scheduled, and in these instances your travel may be impacted. If flights are canceled, diverted to a location other than the intended destination, or delayed to the point that travelers miss connecting flights, we consider it an "irregular operations" situation."

Continental: "When complications such as weather, air traffic control, and mechanical delays occur, you may be eligible to request a refund for a restricted ticket. In these situations, please submit a Refund Request."

If you don't see your airline's weather policies listed on their web site, ask for a PRINTED copy of them before you travel if you plan to fly during winter in the Northeast or summer during hurricane season.

Sources:

http://www.jasoncochran.com/

Phone interview with BWI Public Affairs Dept.: Jan. 7, 2010, 1:51 p.m.

Email interview with Jason Cochran. Dec. 27, 2010.

All of the above airline quotes were taken from their respective web sites.
www.delta.com
www.southwest.com
www.americanairlines.com
www.jetblue.com
www.virginamerica.com
www.united.com
www.continental.com

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=DAL:US

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2010/12/29/can-air-travel-be-easier-in-bad-weather/why-dont-airlines-just-level-with-passengers