Austin winter storm: Airlines at ABIA release flight contingency plans
Austin airport prepares for winter weather
Airlines are preparing for the winter storm heading toward Central Texas this weekend. Several of them have flight contingency plans in place.
AUSTIN, Texas - Airlines are preparing for the winter storm heading toward Central Texas this weekend. Several of them have flight contingency plans in place.
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport said they are also prepared.
Texas winter storm: What happens if my flight is canceled?
As a winter storm approaches this weekend, many travelers may be wondering what happens if their flight is delayed or canceled because of weather.
What they're saying:
After Winter Storm Uri in 2021, the Austin airport purchased additional snow and ice removal equipment.
Typically, several airport employees sleep in at the airport during major winter weather events. Those are workers who keep the runways clear, as well as roadways and walkways at the airport. The de-icing of planes is done by the airlines.
ABIA has limited bedding to sleep in the terminal for those who may get stranded if the airport is iced in. Airlines are not required to provide food or lodging if a delay or cancellation is outside their control, like bad weather.
Preparations underway ahead of winter weather
As winter weather draws closer, Austin Energy said they’re more prepared than ever to keep the lights on for more than 550,000 customers across Central Texas.
What's next:
Officials with ABIA are expected to take part in a city weather briefing on Friday, Jan. 23.
Local perspective:
Travelers like Carol Buchanan, who was heading to South Carolina on Thursday morning, were getting ahead of the bad weather.
"Well, I'm from Massachusetts, relocated to Charleston. So, I'm comfortable. If it gets bad, it gets bad. We can hunker down," said Buchanan.
Jeekak Malhotra rebooked his Saturday flight back to Chicago to avoid getting stranded in Austin.
"Had to get back early, so we're actually having to regroup next week in Atlanta. Hopefully the weather there is better," said Malhotra.
Winter weather: Officials urge road safety
Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing this weekend, and with rain in the forecast, officials warn that icy roads could create dangerous travel conditions.
Flight contingency plans in Austin
Several of the air carriers have issued flight cancellation contingency plans.
Some re-bookings are being allowed with fees being waived for tickets purchased by Jan. 19. Others have original ticket dates set at Jan. 20 or 21. The ticket rebooking plans are only for flights between Friday and Sunday.
Several of the carriers specifically mention Austin. You can find the airline specific plan below:
American Airlines
There is no fee if:
- You bought your ticket by Jan. 19.
- You're scheduled to travel from Jan. 23–26.
For more information, click here.
Alaska Airlines
Passengers can rebook for flights ticketed between Jan. 23 and Jan. 25. Fees are waived for that time period.
For more information, click here.
Air Canada
No rebooking fee for direct flights between Jan. 22 and 23.
For more information, click here.
Delta Air Lines
Passengers with flights between Jan. 23–25 may rebook without penalty. New flights must be booked by Jan. 28 for travel no later than Jan. 28.
For more information, click here.
Frontier
Fees are waived for passengers with tickets purchased on or before Jan 21. Travel dates are covered from Jan 23 to Jan 25.
For more information, click here.
KLM
Rebooking or refund options are available for flights between Jan. 23 and Jan. 25. Tickets must be issued before Jan 21.
For more information, click here.
Spirit Airlines
Passengers traveling between Jan. 23–25 can reschedule a new flight on or before Jan. 28.
For more information, click here.
Southwest Airlines
Passengers traveling between Jan. 23-26 can reschedule. New tickets are limited to 14 days of the original flight.
For more information, click here.
United Airlines
Passengers traveling between Jan. 23–25 with a ticket purchased on or before Jan. 20 can reschedule. The new flight must be on or before Jan. 29.
For more information, click here.
The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Rudy Koski and flight rebooking plans provided by air carriers