A major winter storm this weekend is expected to hit millions across the United States, forcing airlines to rethink their change-fee policies. Both American and Delta are offering free adjustments for specific travel windows, but the rules differ.
At a Glance
- American Airlines will waive change fees for flights scheduled Jan. 23-25, 2026 if tickets were bought before Jan. 19, 2026.
- Delta Airlines offers no-fee changes for flights rescheduled Jan. 28, 2026 or earlier, provided the cabin class stays the same.
- Passengers can modify trips online or by phone, with 24-hour customer support.
- Why it matters: Millions of travelers may avoid costly fees if they act within the specified windows.
What Airlines Are Doing
Both carriers are responding to the forecasted storm by relaxing change-fee rules. The goal is to keep passengers on board while maintaining safety and schedule integrity.
American Airlines Change Policy
American Airlines says it is working 24 hours a day to assist customers and will contact affected passengers via email or app notifications.
Eligibility Conditions
- Travel on an American Airlines flight
- Reservation in any fare class, including Basic Economy
- Ticket purchased before Jan. 19, 2026
- Scheduled travel between Jan. 23-25, 2026
- Travel window between Jan. 21-28, 2026
- No change to origin or destination city
- Rebook in the same cabin or pay fare difference
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purchase date | Before Jan. 19, 2026 |
| Travel date | Jan. 23-25, 2026 |
| Change deadline | Book by Jan. 25, 2026 |
| Validity | Within one year of original ticket date |
Notes
- Changes must be booked by Jan. 25, 2026.
- Travel must be completed within one year of the original ticket date; a fare difference may apply.
Delta Airlines Change Policy
Delta Airlines announced it will allow customers to change flights without additional fees in light of the approaching winter conditions.
> “The safety of Delta customers and our staff remains our top priority, so we closely monitor forecasts to determine necessary adjustments to flight schedules,” the company said.
Eligibility Conditions
- Reschedule flight for Jan. 28, 2026, or earlier
- Maintain the same class of service
- No fare difference if the original booking class is kept
- Fare difference may apply if the waiver is restricted to a specific class
- If rescheduled after Jan. 28, 2026, a fare difference may apply
| Date | Condition |
|---|---|
| Jan. 28, 2026 | No fare difference if cabin class unchanged |
| After Jan. 28, 2026 | Fare difference may apply |
Delta will rebook passengers on the next available flight if a flight is canceled or a delay causes a missed connection.
How to Make a Change
American Airlines
- Find your trip on the website or app.
- If the trip qualifies, a “change trip” option appears in the toolbar.
- If you cannot change online, call American Airlines reservations at 800-433-7300.
### Delta Airlines
- Visit Delta.com or open the mobile app.
- If the flight is canceled or delayed, select the “rebook” option.
- Follow the prompts to confirm the new flight.
Both airlines recommend checking flight status frequently and keeping your mobile device charged for real-time updates.
Key Takeaways
- American Airlines: Free changes for flights on Jan. 23-25, 2026 if tickets bought before Jan. 19, 2026.
- Delta Airlines: No-fee changes for rescheduling Jan. 28, 2026** or earlier, provided cabin class is unchanged.
- Passengers should act before the specified deadlines and keep their contact information up to date.
- Both carriers will notify travelers via email or app alerts, and 24-hour customer service is available.
By staying informed and acting quickly, travelers can avoid unexpected fees and keep their plans on track during the looming winter storm.
Stay Updated
- Check the airline’s official website or app daily.
- Subscribe to email alerts for real-time schedule changes.
- Use the airline’s customer service number if you encounter issues.
With these steps, you can navigate the storm-affected travel landscape without breaking the bank.
