Thousands of Travelers Affected in US as Southwest, SkyWest, Spirit, Delta and More Airlines Face 199 Cancellations and 3,955 Delays Impacting New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas and Others
Published on
January 2, 2026
Thousands of Travelers Affected in the US as Southwest, SkyWest, Spirit, Delta, and more airlines face 199 cancellations and 3,955 delays, impacting major cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and others. The severe weather conditions, particularly snowstorms and ice storms, have been the primary cause of these widespread disruptions. Additionally, staff shortages and high traffic volumes during the busy travel season have further complicated airline operations. Airlines such as Southwest, SkyWest, and Spirit are among the hardest hit, with a significant number of cancellations and delays.
Passengers in major cities like New York and Chicago are facing long waits, as airport operations struggle to cope with the high volume of disruptions. This situation is not limited to US cities alone, with other regions also affected. Travelers are urged to stay informed and patient, as airlines work to resolve these ongoing travel issues.
Widespread US Flight Disruptions Impact Thousands of Travelers
Air travel in the United States has been severely disrupted today, with passengers across the country facing a significant number of delays and cancellations. With 3,955 total delays and 199 cancellations affecting flights within, into, and out of the US, airlines and airports are struggling to manage the impact. These disruptions are creating chaos at several major airports and with multiple airlines, leaving travelers frustrated and uncertain about their travel plans.
Airlines Most Affected by Delays and Cancellations
Several major US airlines are experiencing widespread delays and cancellations, with Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and SkyWest Airlines reporting some of the most significant disruptions.
- Southwest Airlines is experiencing 28 cancellations and 615 delays, making it the hardest-hit airline for the day. Passengers flying with Southwest can expect lengthy waits and may face significant flight rebookings.
- JetBlue Airways has reported 18 cancellations and 359 delays, affecting flights across a number of cities.
- SkyWest Airlines, a regional carrier, is also seeing substantial disruptions with 19 cancellations and 267 delays.
- Spirit Airlines, another low-cost carrier, has reported 30 cancellations and 102 delays, adding to the strain on affected airports.
- Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are also facing delays, with Delta reporting 6 cancellations and 349 delays, while American Airlines has experienced 4 cancellations and 305 delays.
Other airlines like United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier Airlines are similarly affected, but to a lesser extent. Alaska Airlines has had 3 cancellations and 75 delays, while Frontier Airlines has had 5 cancellations and 79 delays.
Airports and Cities Most Affected
The disruptions are widespread, impacting airports across the US. Major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Los Angeles International are among the hardest hit.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) are experiencing high volumes of delayed flights, particularly with airlines like Southwest Airlines and SkyWest Airlines.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is seeing a significant number of delays, especially for JetBlue Airways flights, with 359 delays reported.
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) are also seeing many delays, with JetBlue and American Airlines among the major carriers impacted.
- Denver International Airport (DEN) and Miami International Airport (MIA) are also experiencing substantial delays and cancellations, primarily due to Southwest Airlines.
These delays are causing a ripple effect, as passengers bound for connecting flights in these cities are facing further disruptions. As more travelers are impacted, other airports, such as San Francisco International (SFO), Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), and San Diego International (SAN), are also experiencing moderate delays.
What Affected Passengers Can Do Now
If you are among the thousands of affected passengers, here are some steps you can take to mitigate the inconvenience:
- Stay Updated on Flight Status: Regularly check your airline’s website or app for real-time updates on flight status. Many airlines, including Southwest and JetBlue, provide live tracking, so you’ll know the latest about your flight.
- Contact Customer Service: If your flight is delayed or canceled, reach out to your airline’s customer service to explore options for rebooking or refunds. Airlines are working to accommodate passengers, and many are offering travel vouchers for those facing major disruptions.
- Consider Alternative Routes or Airports: If your flight is delayed significantly, explore other routes or nearby airports to continue your journey. Smaller carriers such as Alaska Airlines and SkyWest Airlines may offer flexibility.
- Prepare for Longer Waits: In some cases, delays or cancellations may result in extended waits at the airport. Airlines like JetBlue and Spirit Airlines may provide meal vouchers during long delays, so be sure to ask customer service about available amenities.
- Check for Hotel Accommodation: If your flight is rescheduled for the following day or you find yourself stranded overnight, ask your airline about hotel accommodations. Airlines like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines typically provide hotel stays for passengers experiencing overnight delays.
- Stay Calm and Patient: Flight disruptions can be stressful, but patience and understanding will help navigate the situation more effectively. Stay calm and be courteous to airline staff as they work to accommodate the large number of affected passengers.
Conclusion
Today’s flight disruptions are affecting a large number of passengers across the United States, with 3,955 total delays and 199 cancellations reported. Major airlines like Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and SkyWest Airlines are experiencing the brunt of the delays, and airports in cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Miami are struggling to manage the traffic. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed by checking their flight statuses, contacting customer service, and being prepared for the possibility of extended wait times. By staying proactive and understanding, affected travelers can navigate this challenging situation more smoothly.
Source: FlightAware and Affected Airports, FAA
