At a Glance
- American Airlines will waive change fees for flights scheduled between Jan. 23-25, 2026.
- The waiver applies to reservations bought before Jan. 19, 2026 and rebooked by Jan. 25, 2026.
- Delta Airlines offers a similar no-fee policy for the same winter storm.
- Why it matters: Millions of travelers can avoid costly changes and plan with confidence.
A major winter storm that will hit the United States from Friday through Sunday has prompted airlines to offer free flight changes. American Airlines and Delta Airlines are allowing passengers to reschedule without paying the usual change fees, provided they meet specific criteria. The policies apply to flights scheduled for the storm’s peak dates and require travelers to act quickly.
American Airlines’ Winter Change Policy
American Airlines has announced that it will waive change fees for flights affected by the winter storm. The airline states, “When adverse weather conditions or other uncontrollable events affect your flight and travel dates, you may be able to change your trip without an additional charge,” said American Airlines.
Eligibility requirements are:
- Traveling on an American Airlines flight
- Reservation in any fare class, including Basic Economy
- Ticket purchased before Jan. 19, 2026
- Scheduled to travel between Jan. 23-25, 2026
- Travel between Jan. 21-28, 2026
- No change of origin or destination city
- Rebook in the same cabin or pay the fare difference
Additional conditions:
- Changes must be booked by Jan. 25, 2026
- Travel must be completed within one year of the original ticket date; a fare difference may apply
American Airlines is operating 24 hours a day to assist customers. Affected passengers will receive email or app notifications.
To change online, follow these steps:
- Find your trip on the website or app.
- If your trip qualifies, you will see the “change trip” option in the toolbar.
- If you cannot change online, call American Airlines reservations at 800-433-7300.
## Delta Airlines’ Winter Change Policy
Delta Airlines also announced a no-fee change policy for flights during the storm. The company said, “The safety of Delta customers and our staff remains our top priority, so we closely monitor forecasts to determine necessary adjustments to flight schedules.”
Delta’s policy details:
- If travel is rescheduled for Jan. 28, 2026, or earlier, in the same class of service as the original reservation, no fare difference will apply.
- A fare difference may apply if the waiver is restricted to a specific class and the original booking class is not maintained on the rescheduled itinerary.
- If the trip is rescheduled after Jan. 28, 2026, a fare difference may apply.
- Passengers are advised to check flight status frequently for the most up-to-date information.
- Delta will notify customers via mobile or email as far in advance as possible about changes to flight schedules.
How to Change Your Flight
Both airlines provide similar online tools:
- Visit the airline’s website or open the mobile app.
- Locate your reservation and look for the change option.
- Follow the prompts to select a new flight or confirm the waiver.
- If the online system does not allow a change, use the provided phone number or customer service chat.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Date | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 19, 2026 | Ticket purchase deadline for waiver eligibility | Must be before this date |
| Jan. 21-28, 2026 | Travel window for affected flights | Flights within this period are covered |
| Jan. 23-25, 2026 | Peak storm dates | Highest likelihood of disruptions |
| Jan. 25, 2026 | Final day to book a change | Must complete change by this date |
| Jan. 28, 2026 | Fare difference policy change | Rescheduling after this date may incur a fare difference |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I still pay a fare difference if I change my flight?
If you stay in the same cabin and the new flight is in the same fare class, no difference applies.
- Can I change my destination city?
The waiver does not cover changes to origin or destination city.
- What if my flight is delayed but not canceled?
Delta will rebook you on the next available flight if a delay causes a missed connection.
- How do I know if my flight is affected?
Check the airline’s status page or receive notifications via email or app.
Customer Support
Both airlines are offering 24-hour assistance.
- American Airlines: Call reservations at 800-433-7300 or use the online chat.
- Delta Airlines: Contact customer service through the app or website, or call the local reservation center.
Travelers are encouraged to act quickly, monitor flight status, and use the online tools to secure the best available options without incurring additional costs.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines and Delta Airlines waive change fees for the Jan. 23-25, 2026 winter storm, provided tickets were purchased before Jan. 19, 2026 and changes are made by Jan. 25, 2026.
- The waiver applies only to flights within the same cabin and fare class, and does not allow changes to origin or destination cities.
- Both airlines offer 24-hour support and will notify affected passengers via email or app.
- Travelers should check flight status frequently and use the airline’s website or app to confirm eligibility and complete changes before the deadline.
