How bad would the weather have to be to shut down the airport?

[Liz]

We leave in 9 days and the weatherman just said this morning that a "major winter storm" is predicted for the weekend we leave (the 17th). I'm trying to figure out any possible options. Would Delta still charge us a change fee if we wanted to beat the storm and leave a day or a few hours early? I know the flight we are booked on is 100% sold out except for a few first class seats so maybe that's overbooked and they would be happy to have us on another flight (I know they aren't going to look at it that way.)

Praying for good weather. Appreciate any advice! Traveling in the summer is much simplier!!!

 

[seashoreCM]

It is hard to say. Wind is a very important factor too. During the storm conditions could change so as to cause a sudden closure or maybe even an earlier than expected re-opening.

If your schedule permits, show up at the airport for an earlier flight. Often they will let you stand by for no extra fee, especially if there is a strong chance of flight cancellations due to a storm.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Traveliz]

This past weekend our area was hit hard and Airtran was allowing rebookings without a change fee to get people out at different times.

You would have to wait til closer to I would think though.

Liz

 

[salmoneous]

It depends upon the airport. Someplace like Denver that is built from the ground up to deal with snowstorms will stay open in all but the worst of blizzards. Meanwhile a few inches of snow with bring someplace like EWR to a standstill. People in your local area are probably the best folks to ask about how your airport deals with snow.

As for Delta, at some point they will admit a flight will be cancelled and let you change without penalty. But they can be stubborn about it and sometimes wait until the last day even when it is obvious the flight will be cancelled. I've been in your situation before and just called Delta every few hours starting a couple days before the flight.

The good news is that 9-10 days weather outlooks are very unreliable.

 

[FlyingBelle]

Keep checking their website. Usually when big storms hit, airlines will offer the ability to change flights without penalty (within limits).

Heavy snow can certainly delay or cancel flights, depending on runway conditions and de-icing planes can back things up for a while. Usually within a couple hours things are back to normal operations.

Don't assume your flight has been cancelled unless you're told so - again - keep checking the airline website and call if you have any major concerns.

And... give yourself PLENTY of time to get to - and through - the airport!

 

[NotUrsula]

If there are weather delays on your departure day, be sure to bring extra items with you to make your wait at the airport more comfortable, including extra money and snack foods, as it isn't unusual for airport vendors to begin to run low on food after awhile if there is a ground stop.

If you have a baby with you, be sure to have at least 24 hours worth of supplies for the baby in your carryon luggage; you can't buy diapers, baby food or formula in most airports. While stranding is a worst-case scenario, you should be prepared just in case.

 

[captchris]

In february of 2005 we went to WDW. We were supposed to leave on Friday, but a major nor'easter was set to hit during the day Thursday. This was revealed on the Tuesday evening news. The Boston area was supposed to get hit with 16-22 inches and we were flying out of Boston.

I immediately got on the phone with Delta, and they said that there was a weather advisory for our flight. She moved up our reservations two days. We then departed the very next day (Wednesday) at no charge.

The only problem is due to our tickets being changed at such short notice, we were extra scrutinized by the TSA.

 

[Super 27]

Due to the fact that the plows simply can't keep the runways clear, combined with deicing the planes, etc, you're almost always looking at the airport being "closed" for at least a couple hours with any major snow. However, that doesn't mean that your flight automatically gets cancelled. Call the airline in advance (24 hrs or so), see if they are willing to rebook you or if they're taking any preemptive action to cancel/modify flight schedules for a forecast storm (which they're starting to do more and more now to avoid having people stuck in airports sleeping on cots). Unless you're told that the flight is cancelled and are rebooked, show up at the airport extra early. I've been on flights that have been almost empty on bad weather days, because everybody's either gotten rebooked or made other plans, but those of us who stuck around got out on the original flight very close to the original departure time. So bottom line; don't give up the seats you've got until it's hopeless to get out on that flight.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I agree with Salmoneous--keep in mind that a prediction that far in advance could be completely wrong. I wouldn't make any changes, etc just yet.
Hoping that your flight can depart on time!!

 

[Liz]

You guys are right about the forecast changing! Now the day before we leave it says "rain or snow showers possible" and the day we are scheduled to depart it says "flurries possible"!! Still checking the weather every day and if things change again I'll be prepared with all the great advice here! Thanks so much!!!!

P.S. The weather forecast in Orlando is changing too. Accuweather had predicted highs between 76 and 79. Now its in the high 60's and low 70's. Still better than what we'll be leaving in Utah!! We leave a week from today! Wahoo! Now if I were only ready!