CHICAGO — The first snowstorm of the season has some airlines waiving fees and lifting certain restrictions for air travelers who tried to make it home Sunday after the Thanksgiving holiday. A blizzard warning for Chicago and its surrounding suburbs expired by early Monday, but the winter storm forced the city’s airports canceled hundreds of flights on Sunday and Monday.
RELATED: Winter Storm Warning: Up To 12 Inches Predicted
As of 7:30 p.m. Sunday, the threat of adverse weather was beginning to affect Chicago’s two airports, O’Hare International and Midway. Both airports were seeing flight delays averaging less than 15 minutes. Midway had 124 flight cancellations, though, while O’Hare had 740.
As of 7:30 a.m. Monday, 629 flights were canceled at O’Hare, and delays were about 38 minutes. At Midway, 69 flights have been canceled, and delays were less than 15 minutes.
The following is a roundup of the airlines offer weather waivers because of the anticipated snow storm.
Airport: O’Hare
Travel Dates: Saturday, Nov. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 25
The Offer: Passengers can make one change to travel plans without paying a change fee or a recalculated fare.
The Fine Print: Travel must be rebooked by Friday, Nov. 30, and while fees still might be waived, a new fare could apply.
More Info: Go to American’s website for details.
Airports: O’Hare and Midway
Travel Dates: Sunday, Nov. 25, and Monday, Nov. 26
The Offer: Same as American. Travelers can make one change without incurring a change fee or a recalculated fare.
The Fine Print: Rebooking needs to be done by Thursday, Nov. 29. And like American, a new fare might be charged, even though fees are waived.
More Info: Go to Delta’s website for details.
Airport: Midway
Travel Dates: Saturday, Nov. 24, through Monday, Nov. 26
The Offer: Change fees aren’t charged on Southwest flights, but the airline will waive recalculated fares.
The Fine Print: Flights must be rebooked within 14 days of the original travel. If not, the credit for the unused flight can be used for future travel.
More Info: Go to Southwest’s website for details.
Airport: O’Hare
Travel Dates: Saturday, Nov. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 25
The Offer: Same as waivers by American and Delta. Passengers can make a single change, and no change fees or recalculated fares will be charged.
The Fine Print: Also similar to American and Delta. Travel must be rebooked by Friday, Nov. 30, and fees may still be waived for travel after that, but a new fare may be charged.
More Info: Go to United’s website for details.
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