Flight disruptions are expected across New York, Boston and parts of New England as airlines waive change fees ahead of a nor’easter forecast to bring high winds, heavy rainfall and potentially dangerous flooding.
American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways said passengers flying from a range of airports in the region can change their bookings without paying a fee or any difference in fare, provided they travel before the middle of next week.
The weather system was already affecting services on Friday. Nearly 600 flights to and from New York’s LaGuardia Airport had been delayed by the afternoon, representing more than half of the airport’s schedule, according to FlightAware.
Dozens more delays were recorded at major airports in the New York area and across New England, as carriers continued to assess the storm’s likely path and impact.
Airlines often cancel a significant proportion, or most, of their schedules during severe winter storms and hurricanes to prevent aircraft, passengers and crews from being left in the wrong locations. No broad cancellation programme had been announced as the potential effects of the nor’easter were still being evaluated.
The disruption comes days after an equipment outage on Monday forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights bound for the New York area and Philadelphia.
