Just days after severe thunderstorms caused widespread delays and cancellations, another round of strong storms is expected to impact one of the busiest air travel corridors in North America. Airlines have already canceled more than 1,600 flights for today, with New York’s LaGuardia Airport leading the way with 117 cancellations (22% of its schedule), followed by JFK with 101 cancellations (15%).
Even if the weather is clear where you’re departing, your flight can still be delayed if your aircraft or crew is coming from an affected airport.
The good news is that several airlines have already issued travel waivers, allowing eligible passengers to change their flights without paying change fees.
American Airlines
American has issued a severe weather waiver for travel July 20-21 to, from or through:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Boston (BOS)
- New York JFK (JFK)
- New York LaGuardia (LGA)
- Newark (EWR)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
- Washington Reagan National (DCA)
- White Plains/Westchester County (HPN)
The waiver applies to:
- Tickets purchased by July 19, 2026
- Original travel July 20-21
- Rebooked travel July 20-23
The waiver also includes Basic Economy tickets.
Delta Air Lines
Delta’s waiver covers travel July 21-22 to, from or through:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Boston (BOS)
- Washington Reagan National (DCA)
- Newark (EWR)
- White Plains (HPN)
- Washington Dulles (IAD)
- New York JFK (JFK)
- New York LaGuardia (LGA)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
Tickets must be reissued by July 25, and rebooked travel must begin no later than July 25.
United Airlines
United has issued a waiver for travel on July 21 through:
- Boston, MA, US (BOS)
- Baltimore, MD, US (BWI)
- Washington, DC, US (DCA)
- Newark, NJ/New York, NY, US (EWR)
- Washington, DC, US (IAD)
- New York, NY, US (JFK)
- New York, NY, US (LGA)
- Philadelphia, PA, US (PHL)
If you’re traveling through one of these airports, check your reservation to see if you’re eligible to switch to another flight.
JetBlue
JetBlue is waiving change and cancellation fees for travel July 20-22 to or from:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Boston (BOS)
- Long Island/Islip (ISP)
- New York JFK (JFK)
- New York LaGuardia (LGA)
- Newark (EWR)
- Norfolk (ORF)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Richmond (RIC)
- Washington Reagan National (DCA)
- White Plains/Westchester County (HPN)
Customers may rebook for travel through July 26 if their original ticket was purchased before July 17. If JetBlue cancels your flight, you can also request a refund to your original form of payment.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest’s travel advisory currently covers Tuesday, July 21 for:
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Boston (BOS)
- New York LaGuardia (LGA)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Washington Reagan National (DCA)
Eligible customers can change their travel without paying change fees, subject to Southwest’s travel advisory terms.
Remember: Your airport doesn’t need bad weather for your flight to be delayed.
Thunderstorms around New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington often create air traffic restrictions that ripple across the entire system. Aircraft, flight crews and gates all get out of position, so delays can continue long after the storms move through.
If you’re flying over the next couple of days:
- Check your airline’s app before leaving for the airport.
- If you’re eligible for a travel waiver and your plans are flexible, consider changing your flight before everyone else starts rebooking.
- Pack medications, chargers and other essentials in your carry-on.
- If you’re connecting through New York, Boston, Philadelphia or Washington, build in extra time and expect possible delays.
Are you flying this week? Let me know in the comments what airport you’re traveling through and whether your airline has already offered you a waiver or rebooking options.
