If you were planning to fly out of Boston today, you might want to unpack your bags. Because of a massive snowstorm, Logan International Airport has turned into a parking lot for airplanes. Reports show that nearly 60% of outgoing flights have been canceled this Monday. This means out of every five flights, three are not taking off.
The city is currently digging itself out from one of the biggest snowfalls seen in many years. For travelers, it is a day of long waits, phone calls to airlines, and a lot of frustration.
Boston Logan: The Worst Hit Airport in America
As of early Monday morning, Boston Logan has the “unlucky” title of being the most affected airport in the entire United States. More than 297 departing flights were canceled by 8 a.m. It’s not just about people leaving; planes can’t land either. Over 208 incoming flights were also cut from the schedule.
The reason is simple but dangerous: the airport has been buried under 18.6 inches of snow. That is more than one and a half feet of frozen ice and powder! Even with the best cleaning machines, keeping a runway safe for a heavy jet is almost impossible in these conditions.
New York and Connecticut Also Feeling the Chill
The travel misery is spreading across the northern part of the U.S. In Connecticut, Bradley International Airport had to cancel 44% of its flights after getting 16 inches of snow.
Meanwhile, the “Big Three” airports near New York City—JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia—are all struggling. Each of these airports has canceled about 45% of their flights. Even further south in Washington, D.C., Reagan National Airport had to cancel over 160 flights. This shows that the storm is a giant that is covering multiple states at once.
The Big Picture: Thousands of People Stranded
When we look at the whole country, the numbers are shocking. On Monday alone, more than 4,500 flights were canceled across the U.S. This comes after a terrible weekend where 12,600 flights were canceled on Sunday and 4,600 on Saturday.
Millions of passengers are now stuck in hotels or sleeping on airport chairs. For many, this isn’t just a delay of a few hours; it’s a delay of several days because the next available flights are already full.
Why Do Airports Shut Down During Snow?
You might wonder why a little snow stops a big machine like an airplane. In reality, it’s not just the snow on the ground; it’s about visibility and ice.
- Icy Wings: If ice freezes on the wings, the plane cannot lift properly into the air.
- Braking: Just like a car on a rainy road in Mumbai, a plane needs a dry runway to stop. On ice, a plane could slide off the path.
- De-icing: Every plane must be sprayed with a special liquid to melt ice before takeoff. When it’s snowing heavily, the ice forms faster than they can spray it off.
Our Opinion: Don’t Even Go to the Airport
In our view, if your flight status says “Delayed” during a storm like Fern, there is a 90% chance it will eventually be “Canceled.” Our advice to travelers is to not go to the airport unless your airline confirms the flight is moving.
Sitting at home with a heater is much better than being stuck at a crowded terminal with no food or a place to sleep. Also, many airlines are offering “Fee Waivers,” which means you can change your flight date for free. Take that deal!
Conclusion
Winter Storm Fern has completely broken the back of the U.S. aviation system this week. Boston is the center of this disaster, but the effects are being felt everywhere. With nearly 20 inches of snow on the ground, the “Snow Warriors” have a long night ahead of them. If you are a traveler, patience is your only friend today. Safety must always come before a schedule.
FAQs
How do I check if my flight is canceled?
The best way is to download your airline’s mobile app or check the website FlightAware. Do not rely on old emails; check the “Live Status” every 30 minutes.
Will the airline give me a hotel for a weather delay?
Generally, no. Most airlines do not pay for hotels if the delay is caused by “Acts of God” like snowstorms. However, it never hurts to ask the gate agent politely for a discount voucher.
Can I get a full refund if my flight is canceled?
Yes. Under U.S. law, if the airline cancels your flight and you choose not to travel on a later date, you are entitled to a full cash refund, not just a travel voucher.
Why are flights canceled even when it stops snowing?
Sometimes, even if the sun is out in Boston, the plane that was supposed to pick you up is stuck in New York or Chicago. This is called a “knock-on effect” in the flight schedule.
What is the safest way to rebook a flight?
Instead of standing in a 200-person long line at the airport, try calling the airline’s customer service or using their chat feature on social media. It is often much faster.