Travelers near the departure board at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. on Monday, November 24, 2025.
Victor J. Blue | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Airlines are allowing travelers to make changes to their trips ahead of a major winter storm that will test airlines during the busiest travel period of the year.
A winter storm warning is in effect for New York City, New Jersey and Long Island starting this afternoon, with snowfall totals of up to 9 inches possible, with most of it falling overnight, the National Weather Service said.
american airlines, delta airlines, united airlines, southwest airlines, jet blue airlines and other airlines announced they would waive change fees on restricted basic economy tickets and not charge fare differences to customers flying to and from several airports in the region, including Philadelphia International Airport, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport.
The airline said customers must travel by the end of the year if they wish to change their flights. There are few seats available during the busy Christmas week, so it’s probably best to leave as early as possible.
Airlines for America, an industry lobbying group, predicts that airlines will fly a record 52.6 million people between Dec. 19 and Jan. 5, with Friday and Sunday this week expected to be the busiest days.
