Thanksgiving weather: Travel warnings as winter storm hits central plains

DOT head Pete Buttigieg tells air travelers they are entitled to full refunds if their flights are cancelled

Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg posted a video on Tuesday informing air travelers of their rights — and what compensation they can expect — in the event of flight cancellations or delays this holiday season.

“This year, we have seen some of the busiest air travel days in US history. And so far this year, our aviation system has been handling the increased volume well. In fact, cancellations are lower than they were before the pandemic, and we’re pushing hard to keep it that way.”

“If your flight does get delayed or cancelled, know that the Department of Transportation has your back. For example, we have obtained enforceable commitments from the ten largest airlines to cover expenses for things like rebooking, meals, and more when you face delays or cancellations that are the airline’s responsibility. You should also know you are entitled to a full cash refund if your flight is cancelled for any reason.”

Mr Buttigieg said the DOT’s regulations have helped return more than $2.5bn dollars to travelers whose flights have been cancelled. He recommended air travelers to visit FlightRights.gov to review their rights as travelers before they set off for their holiday destinations.

Flight disruptions

As of Wednesday evening, over 3,000 flights were delayed in the US, while 60 others were cancelled, according to FlightAware.

The flight disruptions arrive as the TSA predicted 2.7m passengers planned to fly on Wednesday, and AAA estimated 55.4m Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Wednesday and Sunday.

The traffic nightmare has already hit LA

Thousands of Americans are being urged to travel safely as extreme weather and winter storms continue to impact parts of the US over Thanksgiving holiday.

The National Weather Service said in a post on X on Thursday a significant winter storm will bring heavy snow and hazardous travel to parts of the Northern and Central Rockies as well as into the Central Plains through the holiday weekend.

Snow is forecast to spread over Wyoming on Thursday and travel south through Colorado on Friday, the agency said.

While winter weather may be impacting some states, the East Coast is now enjoying milder weather – and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade has gone ahead as planned in New York City.

This comes after Governor Kathy Hochul of New York warned travelers in the state to be cautious earlier in the week as there was a risk of “extreme winter weather” during peak travel days.

Travelers are being urged to “be nice” during the busy holiday season.

“The skies will be extremely busy this Thanksgiving period – eclipsing last year,” the FAA said in a post earlier in the week.

“We are expecting 49,600 flights on Wednesday. The FAA will be working around the clock to make sure passengers get to their destinations safely.”

The statement added: “If you’re flying, please be nice to your flight crew. They are there for your safety. The FAA has zero tolerance for unruly behavior.”