A historic winter storm has plunged counties across the southern Louisiana and Texas border into chaos, grounding thousands of flights and disrupting travel across the South.
As Winter Storm Enzo blankets the Gulf Coast and southeastern United States in snow and ice, travelers have been left navigating delays, cancellations and hazardous conditions.
Do You Have a Right to a Refund if Your Flight Is Canceled?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), passengers are entitled to a full refund for a canceled flight if they choose not to travel.
This applies regardless of the reason for the cancellation, including severe weather.
Additionally, if a flight is significantly delayed, travelers may also be eligible for a refund.
In response to Winter Storm Enzo, airlines such as Delta, United and Southwest have issued travel waivers for affected passengers, enabling them to re-book without incurring additional fees.
Experts suggest that contacting airlines directly is the best approach to resolving issues, although long wait times should be expected because of the widespread disruptions.
What To Do if Your Flight Is Canceled
When cancellations occur, taking immediate action can help mitigate the stress of disrupted travel plans.
Many airlines provide the option to re-book through their apps or websites, which is often faster than waiting for assistance at the airport.
Considering nearby airports or alternative routes can also be a practical way to get to your destination.
Some airlines may offer meal vouchers, hotel accommodation or travel credits as a gesture of goodwill. It's worth checking with the airline you have booked with to see what they offer.
Where Have Flights Been Canceled Because of Winter Storm Enzo?
Winter Storm Enzo has severely impacted airports across several states. Houston's George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports were closed early Tuesday but are scheduled to reopen Wednesday morning. TSA lines are expected to resume at 9 a.m., with flights starting from 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. for arrivals and departures respectively.
In Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Savannah, airlines pre-emptively canceled flights, leaving passengers to face uncertainty as inclement weather approached. Savannah's airport lacks the necessary equipment, such as road salt or plows, to manage snow and ice, creating further delays.
Jacksonville International Airport in Florida also closed Tuesday evening because of icy conditions but plans to reopen at noon Wednesday.
The storm's reach extended across the Gulf Coast and southeastern U.S., disrupting travel along critical routes such as the I-10 corridor. Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist for AccuWeather, highlighted the storm's impact, saying in a statement to Newsweek: "Travel was essentially shut down along several stretches of the I-10 corridor between Houston and New Orleans that are critical for commerce,"
What's Next
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that subfreezing temperatures will persist, creating hazardous conditions on both roads and runways as snow and slush refreeze. Although snow has subsided in parts of Texas and Louisiana, the aftereffects are likely to linger. Airports across the region are closely monitoring conditions, but disruptions are expected to continue through midweek.
The storm's unusual intensity has brought record-breaking snowfall to unlikely places, with Houston and New Orleans experiencing conditions not seen in decades. Ten inches of snow fell in some parts of New Orleans—far surpassing its previous record of 2.7 inches from 1963. Jacksonville, Florida, has also been preparing for a rare freeze, with residents encouraged to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.
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