US Travel Grinds to a Halt as United, JetBlue, American, Envoy, Southwest, and Other Airlines Cancel 1957 Flights and Cause Over 7800 Delays Affecting Chicago, Bradley, Orlando, Portland, Tucson, Duluth, and More

Published on November 30, 2025

US travel has come to a near standstill as United, JetBlue, American, Envoy, Southwest, and other major airlines are forced to cancel 1957 flights and cause over 7800 delays due to a powerful winter storm sweeping across the country. The storm, expected to impact key airports in cities like Chicago, Bradley, Orlando, Portland, Tucson, Duluth, and beyond, has led to widespread flight disruptions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and scrambling for alternatives. With snow, ice, and high winds affecting critical travel hubs, both passengers and airlines are bracing for continued chaos during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

United States airports are bracing for widespread disruptions as a severe winter storm is set to impact the country, with thousands of travelers likely to be stranded as major airlines, including United, JetBlue, American, Envoy, and Southwest, face unprecedented challenges. The approaching storm is expected to cause nearly 2,000 flight cancellations and over 7,800 delays, significantly affecting air traffic and creating major headaches for passengers across the nation. Airports in cities such as Chicago, Bradley, Orlando, Portland, Tucson, Duluth, and many others are expected to be particularly hard-hit, with snow, ice, and high winds creating hazardous conditions for both passengers and flight crews.

As the storm expected to move through key regions, travelers can expect widespread delays and cancellations, with flights grounded for hours or even days. Airports in the Midwest and Northeast are likely to bear the brunt of the storm, while travelers in other parts of the country could also experience disruptions due to the ripple effect of these weather-related delays. With the holiday season in full swing, the storm comes at a particularly inconvenient time, when millions are flying to reunite with family, friends, or simply escape for some time off.

The Impact of the Winter Storm on U.S. Airports

The severe winter storm has caused major disruptions to air travel across the United States, with airports like Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) seeing the highest cancellations and delays. ORD had 634 cancellations (46%), while MDW reported 140 cancellations (52%) and 43 delays (16%). Other key airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) were also hit hard, with significant delays affecting operations. Smaller airports, including Quad Cities (MLI) and Peoria (PIA), faced even higher cancellation rates, up to 80%. Airlines like SkyWest, Southwest, and JetBlue are struggling to manage the ripple effects, leaving travelers scrambling for rebookings.

Airline Operations Hit Hard by Weather

Airlines, particularly regional carriers, struggled to keep up with the deluge of cancellations and delays. The impact was most severe for SkyWest, a regional carrier operating for several major airlines, which saw 427 cancellations (15%) and 547 delays (20%). Southwest Airlines, a major low-cost carrier, reported 278 cancellations (6%) and a staggering 1,430 delays (32%).

Other major airlines, including Envoy Air (AAL), United Airlines, and American Airlines, also faced significant challenges, as the winter storm disrupted operations across several U.S. cities. Passengers traveling with these airlines were among those who faced some of the longest delays of the day.

Flight Chaos Unleashed: Key Airline Cancellations and Delays Across the US

Here’s a breakdown of the airlines affected by the winter storm and bad weather, detailing cancellations and delays for each:

Travel Tips for Passengers Affected by Disruptions

For travelers facing cancellations and delays, staying informed is key. It’s important to check flight statuses regularly, especially if a severe weather warning has been issued for the departure or arrival city. Airlines have online tools, apps, and customer service numbers to keep passengers updated on any changes.

Passengers affected by long delays should also inquire about compensation and assistance, including meals, accommodations, and rebooking options. If stranded overnight, it’s essential to check with the airline for available hotel accommodations or vouchers.

Looking Ahead: A Challenging Winter for Travelers

With winter storms expected to continue affecting the U.S. throughout the season, travelers are advised to prepare for possible disruptions. As we approach the busy holiday season, the likelihood of further delays and cancellations increases, especially in regions prone to inclement weather. Flexibility, patience, and up-to-date information are essential for travelers navigating these challenging conditions.

Airlines and airports are working to minimize the impact of weather-related disruptions, but the unpredictability of winter storms makes travel planning all the more important. Passengers should be proactive in monitoring weather forecasts, flight statuses, and the availability of rebooking options.

The winter storm that caused widespread disruptions to air travel in the U.S. serves as a reminder of how vulnerable air travel can be to extreme weather. With over 1,900 cancellations and nearly 8,000 delays affecting major cities and airports, the impact on passengers was significant. As the storm continues to affect flights, travelers must remain vigilant and flexible to adapt to ongoing challenges in the days ahead.

US travel has ground to a halt as United, JetBlue, American, Envoy, Southwest, and other airlines cancel 1,957 flights and cause over 7,800 delays due to an incoming winter storm. The storm, set to hit major airports like Chicago, Bradley, Orlando, Portland, Tucson, and Duluth, is expected to create widespread disruptions and leave thousands of passengers stranded.

By keeping informed and taking proactive steps, travelers can mitigate some of the stress associated with flight disruptions, ensuring they can reach their destinations as safely and efficiently as possible. The coming winter months will undoubtedly bring more challenges, but with proper planning, passengers can navigate the uncertainty and still make the most of their travel plans.