Computer Problems, Blizzard Disrupt Flights Throughout U.S.

It's a busy day for travel disruptions in the United States. Here's what to keep in mind if you have clients flying today. 

Flights from Philadelphia International Airport on American Airlines resumed Wednesday morning after a computer issue forced a ground stop at the airport.

The ground stop, which only affected American Airlines flights out of Philadelphia, did not affect other airlines. The airlines’ computers were back up and the ground stop lifted as of 8 a.m. this morning, although the airport’s official Twitter account warned travelers to expect flight cancellations and delays to continue throughout the day.

Travel agents can check the status of a client's flight on American Airlines’ website.

Blizzard in the Midwest

Meanwhile, a blizzard is disrupting travel in an area ranging from Colorado to Wyoming, southern Montana, northern Wisconsin, parts of Minnesota and northern Michigan. According to the latest Accuweather forecast, travelers can expect up to a foot or more of snow in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Sioux City, Iowa; Eau Claire and Wausau, Wisconsin; Minneapolis and Rochester, Minnesota; and Marquette, Michigan.

Three airlines have announced refund or change waivers so far. American Airlines is offering travelers the chance to rebook their flight through affected airports if they bought their ticket by February 21 for travel February 23 – 24, with travel to take place no later than February 28. Travel must be between the same city pair in the same cabin, or travelers can pay the difference.

Delta is also offering travelers a refund for the unused portion of their ticket if their flight is cancelled or delayed 90 minutes or more as a result of the foul weather. Delta travelers can also make a one-time change to their ticket without fee if they are scheduled to travel through affected airports February 23 – 24, with the ticket to be reissued no later than February 28 with travel to take place no later than that day.

United Airlines is offering to waive the change fee and any difference in fare for new flights departing on or before February 28. The original travel must have been booked for February 23 - 24, and travelers must reschedule in the same cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed. 

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