What is a Weather Waiver?
When a major storm or weather event is forecasted to impact flight operations, airlines issue a Weather Waiver (sometimes called a "Travel Alert" or "Flexible Travel Policy").
Think of this waiver as a "free pass." It temporarily suspends the airline's standard rules, allowing travelers to change their flight dates or times without paying the usual penalties.
Does it cost money to change my flight during a storm?
No. If a waiver is active for your city and travel dates, the airline will waive two specific costs:
Change Fees: The standard administrative fee for changing a ticket.
Fare Difference: The cost difference between what you originally paid and the current price of the new seat.
Important: To keep the change free, you generally must:
Keep the same origin and destination (e.g., if you were flying JFK to LHR, you cannot switch to EWR to LGW).
Stay in the same cabin class (e.g., Economy to Economy).
Travel within the new dates specified by the airline's waiver.
The Fastest Way to Change Your Flight: Use the Airline App
When a waiver is active, time is of the essence. Thousands of other travelers are trying to switch to the same few remaining seats.
We strongly recommend using the airline’s mobile app as your first line of defense.
Why the app?
Real-time Inventory: The app shows you live seat availability faster than a phone agent can read it to you.
Instant Re-ticketing: When you select a new flight in the app under a waiver, the system reissues your ticket instantly.
Zero-Cost Verification: The app will typically show the price of the new flight as $0.00 before you confirm, giving you peace of mind that you aren't being charged.
Step-by-Step: How to Self-Change
Open the App: Log in to the airline app (Delta, United, American, etc.).
Find Your Trip: Tap on "My Trips" and select your upcoming flight.
Look for the Alert: You will often see a banner at the top of the screen that says "Weather Alert" or "Waiver Offered."
Select "Change Flight": Follow the prompts to search for new times.
Confirm for Free: Choose your new flight. If you are within the waiver rules, the total due should be $0. Hit confirm.
When should I contact AllFly support instead?
While the app is faster for simple changes, our team is standing by to help in complex situations:
Southwest Airlines: If you are within 24 hours of travel, Southwest often requires agent assistance.
Complex Itineraries: If your trip involves multiple different airlines on one ticket.
No App Access: If you cannot access a smartphone or computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if the new flight is more expensive?
A: Under a weather waiver, the airline "waives" the difference. Even if the new seat is selling for $500 more than what you paid, you will not be charged the difference.
Q: Can I cancel for a full refund?
A: Often, yes. If your flight is significantly delayed or canceled by the airline, you are entitled to a refund. However, if you simply choose not to fly because of the weather (but the flight is still operating), you may only receive a flight credit for future use.
Q: I don't see a waiver for my flight yet. What should I do?
A: Airlines update waivers in real-time as forecasts change. If you don't see one yet, keep checking the app. Do not pay for a change yourself if you believe a waiver is imminent; wait for the official notification to ensure the fees are waived.