Airlines Waive Change Fees

A fierce winter storm that pounded the Midwest earlier this week has the Northeastern US in its crosshairs, and is expected cause trouble for airline passengers throughout the weekend.

The storm moved into the area Thursday, reports USA Today, stretching from Pennsylvania north into New England. Snow was reported at several airports, including Logan International in Boston, Hartford's Bradley International and T.G. Green in Providence, RI.

Another system is expected to hit the region Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

As of 12:30 EST Thursday, delays of around 30 minutes were reported at New York LaGuardia. Conditions were worse in Philadelphia, where reduced visibility and rain led to delays exceeding one hour on average.

A winter advisory is in effect through Thursday night for much of the area, though forecasts call for mostly rain and little snow in Washington, DC and Baltimore.

Anticipating flight delays, cancellations and ornery passengers, several airlines announced Thursday they would waive change fees and fare differences for passengers stuck in the storm, or who change reservations to try to avoid the mess.

According to Newsday, JetBlue, Delta, and Continental agreed to waive fees for passengers passing through northeastern airports. Other airlines are expected to follow suit.

FMI: www.fly.faa.gov