A traveler near a departure board at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.
Victor J. Azul | Bloomberg | fake images
Airlines are allowing travelers to change their trips ahead of a major winter storm that will test airlines during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
A winter storm warning is in effect as of Friday afternoon in New York City, New Jersey and Long Island, with snowfall totals that could reach 9 inches, with most of it falling overnight, the National Weather Service said.
american airlines, Delta Airlines, united airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and other airlines waived change fees for restrictive basic economy tickets and said they will not charge a fare difference to customers flying in and out of several airports in the area, including Philadelphia International Airport, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Customers must travel before the end of the year if they change their flights, the airlines said. Flying as early as possible is probably the best option, as there are few seats available during the busy Christmas week.
Airlines for America, the industry lobby group, expects airlines to carry a record 52.6 million people between December 19 and January 5, with Friday and Sunday being one of the busiest days.
