US Holiday Travel Chaos as Winter Storm Devin Grounds Flights

(NEW YORK) — Winter Storm Devin has thrown the post‑Christmas travel week into chaos, and if you’re flying through the New York‑area airports, you should expect rebooking headaches and lingering delays through the weekend. With 1,802 flights canceled nationwide and more than 22,000 delayed since the storm hit on December 26, many travelers are now battling full flights, misconnected bags, and tight hotel inventory.

Where the worst impacts were felt

The worst of the damage centered on the New York‑area airports: JFK, Newark Liberty (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA). Those three hubs accounted for more than half of all U.S. cancellations at the height of the storm. That matters because these airports feed huge domestic and international banks; when New York melts down, the ripple can follow you to Florida, California, and Europe.

Winter Storm Devin dumped 4–8 inches of snow across a wide swath from the Great Lakes into the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic. Some New York City‑area neighborhoods saw totals up to 11 inches. Snowfall rates hit 1–2 inches per hour at times, with sleet and freezing rain mixed in. Coastal winds gusted over 40 mph in some spots. Thundersnow also popped up in parts of the region, which can trigger temporary ground stops.

While the Northeast grabbed most aviation headlines, the storm system also brought catastrophic flooding and mudslides in California, where at least three deaths were reported. For air travelers, that kind of two‑coast weather event is a nightmare: it limits where airlines can reposition aircraft and crews.

Airlines and cancellations

Airlines were forced into aggressive schedule cuts, especially in the Northeast. JetBlue, which has a large operation at JFK and a major presence at LaGuardia, led the cancellation count among big U.S. carriers. Delta and American also saw heavy disruption, and Republic Airways was hit hard as a regional operator feeding major hubs.

Travel waivers and the big deadline

Most major carriers have now rolled out travel waivers through January 2, 2026. In practical terms, that’s your window to change dates without paying a change fee on eligible tickets.

• Important caveat: waivers usually still require you to pay any fare difference.
  If the flight you want is now more expensive, you could still owe the difference.

⚠️ Heads Up: Waivers generally end January 2, 2026. If you’re going to move your trip, do it before that deadline.

Ground conditions and access

On the ground, government leaders pushed hard for travelers to stay off roads while plows and crews worked. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency. New Jersey Acting Governor Tahesha Way urged travelers to avoid driving during the storm. Both states also imposed commercial‑vehicle restrictions on major highways.

That matters for flyers because airport access is part of the trip. A clear runway doesn’t help if you can’t safely reach the terminal.

The lingering operational problem: misalignment

Even as the system weakened by early December 27, airlines warned of an aftershock. The core issue is crew and aircraft misalignment:

1. A flight cancels late.
2. Crews time out or end up in the wrong city.
3. Planes get stuck away from where they’re needed next.
4. That causes continued delays — even in otherwise clear weather.

If you’re connecting through New York this week, consider changing your itinerary to reduce moving parts. A nonstop is your friend during recovery operations. If you must connect, earlier departures usually have better odds because crews and planes are more likely to be in position.

Other knock‑on effects

There are impacts beyond flights:

• CBP enrollment centers at New York hubs reported limited staffing. This can affect Global Entry interviews and some in‑person document checks.
• If you had an interview scheduled at JFK, EWR, or LGA, confirm before you head out. Rebooking those appointments can take weeks.
• For frequent flyers, storms can quietly dent your mileage and status plans.
• If your flight cancels and you take a refund, you won’t earn miles or elite credit.
• If you’re rebooked into a different fare class, your earnings can change.
• Keep screenshots of your original booking and the final flown itinerary to support any missing credit disputes.

Year‑end qualification concerns

If you’re chasing status, pay attention to the calendar. A late‑December trip often matters for year‑end qualification. If the airline pushes you into January, that credit may post in 2026 instead of 2025.

• Ask the agent whether there are options that keep your travel credited in 2025.
• Answers vary by carrier and situation — get clear confirmation when you rebook.

Award space and points strategy

Holding points this week can be a mixed bag:

• Last‑minute award space sometimes appears when airlines try to refill aircraft after cancellations.
• But holiday loads mean many flights will still be sold out.
• Check partner programs as well as the airline’s own site — you may find different availability, even on the same flight.

Practical checklist for travelers

1. Verify your flight status before leaving home — check the airline app and airport advisories.
2. Grab the earliest viable rebooking you can find, especially under waivers.
3. If rebooking under a waiver, lock it in by January 2, 2026 to avoid standard fare rules and fees.
4. Prefer nonstop flights or earlier departures if you must connect.
5. Document everything: screenshots of original and new bookings, receipts, and any communication for mileage/status disputes.
6. If you had a CBP appointment, confirm or reschedule before heading to the airport.

Key takeaway: Verify status, rebook early under the waiver window, and document changes to protect miles and elite credits.