Alaska Airlines Faces Travel Disarray around U.S. as Treacherous Weather Causes 93 Cancellations and 58 Delays, Affects Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Boston, Portland and Beyond
Published on
January 26, 2026
Alaska Airlines is currently grappling with severe travel disarray across the U.S., as treacherous weather brought on by Winter Storm Fern has caused significant disruptions. With 93 cancellations and 58 delays, the airline’s operations have been severely impacted, leaving passengers stranded or rerouted. Major cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Portland are facing the brunt of these issues, as flights to and from these airports have been delayed or canceled. As the storm continues, the impact is expected to persist, affecting even more passengers in the coming hours.
Alaska Airlines is actively working to manage the situation, but travelers are urged to stay updated on flight status and make alternative plans where necessary. The recent Winter Storm Fern has caused significant disruptions across the United States, and Alaska Airlines has been one of the most affected carriers. The severe weather, which brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous conditions, has led to over 90 cancellations and 58 delays for Alaska Airlines flights. These disruptions have left passengers stranded and frustrated, particularly in key airports and routes that Alaska Airlines serves.
Alaska Airlines Flights Severely Affected by Winter Storm Fern
Alaska Airlines, known for its extensive network across the West Coast and beyond, has been heavily impacted by the winter storm. The airline, operating primarily out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA), saw multiple cancellations and delays on key routes, especially those connecting the West Coast to the East Coast and Midwest. Major airports such as San Francisco (KSFO), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Portland (KPDX), and Boston Logan (BOS) also reported substantial disruptions due to the storm.
Alaska Airlines flights traveling between these cities, including Seattle to JFK, San Francisco to Newark, and Portland to Dallas-Fort Worth, faced widespread cancellations and delays, significantly affecting travelers’ schedules. The airline had to cancel flights from Seattle-Tacoma to New York (JFK), Cleveland-Hopkins (KCLE), Washington D.C. (DCA), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and many other destinations.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Airports and Routes Most Impacted by Winter Storm
The winter storm severely disrupted operations at major hubs for Alaska Airlines, especially Seattle-Tacoma International (KSEA), the airline’s largest base. Several flights to and from Seattle were impacted, including Seattle to JFK, Seattle to Cleveland, and Seattle to Boston, among others.
- Seattle-Tacoma (KSEA): As the airline’s primary hub, Seattle saw the highest number of cancellations and delays. Passengers traveling to JFK, Cleveland, and Washington D.C. were especially impacted, with many flights either cancelled or significantly delayed.
- San Francisco (KSFO): Flights from San Francisco to Newark Liberty (KEWR), Boston Logan (BOS), and JFK also saw substantial disruptions due to the storm.
- John F. Kennedy (JFK): Passengers traveling from JFK to San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) were impacted by flight cancellations, leaving many to scramble for alternatives.
Flight Cancellations and Delays: A Closer Look at the Numbers
The total number of cancellations across the U.S. has reached a staggering 482, with 3,838 delayed flights reported, with Alaska Airlines accounting for a significant portion of those. Many Alaska Airlines flights, particularly those connecting the East and West Coasts, were either delayed or cancelled due to the snow, freezing rain, and high winds that the storm brought to key airports.
Advertisement
Advertisement
What Alaska Airlines Passengers Can Do Now
For passengers whose Alaska Airlines flights have been cancelled or delayed, there are several steps they can take:
- Check for Updates: Alaska Airlines recommends that all passengers check their flight status through the airline’s official website or mobile app for the latest updates. The airline is actively working to reschedule flights and update passengers on changes.
- Rebook Your Flight: If your flight has been cancelled, Alaska Airlines is offering free rebooking options for affected passengers. This means you can reschedule your flight without incurring additional fees. Passengers should contact the airline or use the app to book new flights.
- Seek Compensation: Passengers who experience long delays or cancellations may be entitled to refunds or travel vouchers. Alaska Airlines has a customer support team dedicated to assisting with compensation claims.
- Prepare for Extended Waits: Due to the sheer volume of cancellations and delays, passengers are advised to prepare for potential overnight stays or delays. Airports like Seattle-Tacoma (KSEA) and San Francisco (KSFO) are likely to experience extended delays as the storm continues to affect operations.
- Stay Informed: Travelers should stay in constant communication with Alaska Airlines and follow weather updates to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
Alaska Airlines Faces a Major Recovery Effort
Winter Storm Fern has disrupted travel across the United States, and Alaska Airlines is still recovering from the widespread cancellations and delays that affected its operations. With major airports like Seattle-Tacoma (KSEA), San Francisco (KSFO), and John F. Kennedy (JFK) seeing severe impacts, the airline is working to accommodate its passengers and mitigate the effects of the storm.
Advertisement
Advertisement
As passengers wait for updates, Alaska Airlines is focused on getting travelers back on track, offering rebooking options, and ensuring that affected passengers are compensated where appropriate. However, with severe weather conditions expected to persist, travelers should stay updated and prepare for potential further delays.
For those who are still stranded or affected, patience will be key as the airline and airports work together to recover from the storm’s impact.
Source: FlightAware and affected airports
Image Credit: Alaska Airlines
