Hopefully you’re not flying to, from or through the Northeast tonight or tomorrow because thunderstorms are wreaking havoc on the system. United Airlines issued a travel waiver earlier today for Northeast airports due to forecasted thunderstorms for tomorrow but the storms either just picked up or came early because there’s a huge bottleneck at four major U.S. airports.
According to the FAA, Newark (EWR) currently has a ground delay averaging 271 minutes. New York’s JFK has a ground delay of 155 minutes, nearby LaGuardia (LGA) is 180 minutes and Philadelphia is 120 minutes. See screenshot below and this link for up-to-date information.
AccuWeather has forecasted strong thunderstorms for tomorrow afternoon so you might want to take advantage of the airlines’ travel waivers. American, Delta and United have all issued them for tomorrow.
TSA Prepares for Record-Breaking Fourth of July Travel Surge With Tips for Families and Flyers
The timing couldn’t be worse as we head into the holiday weekend. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), over 18.5 million travelers are expected to take to the skies during the Fourth of July travel period. The travel window runs from July 1 to July 7, with the busiest day forecasted for July 6, when nearly 2.9 million passengers are expected to pass through U.S. airport security checkpoints. However, on June 29, 2,958,696 passengers passed through U.S. security checkpoints so that number is likely going to be even higher on July 6. Here’s what you need to know.
United Airlines Travel Waiver
United Airlines travel waiver reads: “A travel waiver has been issued for travel on July 1, 2025. This waiver allows for voluntary changes to flights to, from, or through the affected airports without penalty. Impacted airports include: Allentown (ABE), Baltimore (BWI), Boston (BOS), Harrisburg (MDT), Hartford (BDL), Johnstown (JST), Newark (EWR), JFK (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Pittsburgh (PIT), Providence (PVD), State College (SCE), Washington Dulles (IAD), Washington National (DCA), and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP). Travelers should check with their airline for rebooking options.”
Delta Air Lines Travel Waiver
Delta Air Lines: Due to the threat of severe weather in the Northeast U.S., travel to, from or through the destinations listed below may be affected. Check flight status frequently for up-to-the-minute information about your flight plans, or get updates sent directly to your mobile device or by email with One-Time Notification. Affected cities (to/from/through): Boston, MA (BOS), Newark, NJ (EWR), New York, NY (JFK), New York, NY (LGA), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Washington D.C. – Dulles (IAD), Washington D.C. – Reagan (DCA), White Plains, NY (HPN). Impacted travel date(s): July 1, 2025. Ticket must be reissued on or before: July 4, 2025.
American Airlines Travel Waiver
American Airlines: When severe weather or other uncontrollable events impact your flight and travel dates, you may be able to change your trip with no change fee. We understand you may have questions about your upcoming travel. We’re working around the clock to care for you on your travel journey. Current travel alerts: Severe weather – U.S. East Coast (information current as of June 29, 2025). If you’re traveling to, through or from: Baltimore, MD (BWI), Boston, MA (BOS), Charlotte, NC (CLT), New York Kennedy, NY (JFK), New York LaGuardia, NY (LGA), Newark, NJ (EWR), Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Washington Dulles, DC (IAD), Washington Reagan, DC (DCA), or White Plains/Westchester County, NY (HPN), your change fee is waived if you are traveling on an American Airlines flight, are booked in any fare class including Basic Economy, bought your ticket by June 28, 2025, are scheduled to travel July 1, 2025, and can travel between June 30 and July 3, 2025.
There have been plenty of times when travel waivers have been issued and the storms never came but it’s a little bit unusual for all three major U.S. airlines to be so proactive about summer thunderstorms. Usually it’s just United Airlines. So if you have a flight tomorrow afternoon and don’t want to chance long delays, then take advantage of the travel waiver. It’s also a good excuse to use them if you want to delay or postpone your trip.
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