Winter Storm Gianna Is Disrupting Travel Across the East Coast

The Biggest Travel Impacts Right Now

Flight cancellations are concentrated at key hubs. Early Saturday, Atlanta and Charlotte were the top two airports in the U.S. for cancellations, each with more than 500 flights canceled into and out of the airport, according to FlightAware data cited in live coverage. That matters even if you are not headed to Georgia or North Carolina, because those hubs are connection magnets, and disruptions there can cascade nationwide.

Road travel is getting dicey in the storm zone. Snow is sticking fast in many areas because surfaces are already cold, and travel advisories are urging people to stay off the roads in parts of the region.

Why This Storm Causes Such Widespread Chaos

Big hub airports function like the circulatory system of U.S. air travel. When a major node (like Atlanta or Charlotte) gets clogged, delays and aircraft re-positioning issues spread outward fast, including to airports with clear skies.

Also, Gianna is not just a “snow for a few hours” situation. The storm is expected to pivot offshore and deepen, with the potential for dangerous wind and blizzard conditions along parts of the coast. Translation: even when snow stops falling somewhere inland, the operational mess can keep going.

What Travelers Should Do Today

1. Check your connection city first
   If your itinerary connects through Atlanta or Charlotte, assume the odds are not in your favor and look for re-routes through alternate hubs.
   

2. Use the airline app like it is your emergency toolkit
   When weather hits, phone lines and airport counters turn into endurance sports. Rebooking in-app is often the fastest way to grab the last decent seat before everyone else does.
   

3. Look for a travel waiver and change early
   Most airlines issue travel waivers for storms like this, letting you change flights without the usual fees. The earlier you move, the more options you will have.
   

4. Know your refund rights if you decide not to go
   Under updated U.S. DOT passenger protection rules, if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed and you choose not to travel, you are generally entitled to a refund. The DOT’s “significant delay” standard is commonly described as 3+ hours for domestic and 6+ hours for international itineraries. 
If you accept a later replacement flight, you are typically not getting a refund, because you still traveled.
   

5. If you do travel, pack like you might get stuck
   Bring essentials in your carry-on: chargers, meds, a warm layer, snacks, and anything you would be genuinely annoyed to lose for 48 hours.

Quick Reality Check on Hotels, Meals, and Weather Delays

During weather events, airlines usually do not treat the disruption as their fault, which often means you should not expect hotel or meal vouchers automatically. If you get stranded, save receipts anyway, because some credit cards and travel insurance policies may reimburse eligible expenses depending on coverage terms.

Winter Storm Gianna is hitting in the exact way travelers hate most: major hub cancellations, messy road conditions in the storm zone, and the potential for a strengthening coastal system that keeps things unstable. If you can move flights earlier or later, do it now. If you cannot, go in prepared and keep your plan flexible.

FAQ: Winter Storm Gianna and Travel Disruptions

Is Winter Storm Gianna affecting flights right now?


Yes. Airlines have already canceled large numbers of flights, especially at major hubs in the Southeast, and more disruptions are expected as the storm continues.

Which airports are most impacted?


The biggest trouble spots tend to be large connection hubs in the storm’s path. Right now, Atlanta and Charlotte have been among the most heavily impacted, which can cause ripple effects nationwide even if your departure city has clear weather.

My city is not getting snow. Why is my flight delayed or canceled?


Because aircraft and crews get out of position when major hubs are disrupted. If your plane, pilot, or inbound flight is coming from an affected region, your flight can be impacted even under sunny skies.

How do I check if my flight will be canceled?


Use three checks:

• Your airline’s app for real-time updates and rebooking options

• Your departure, connection, and destination airport status pages

• A live flight tracker to see cancellation patterns across routes

Should I change my flight now or wait?


If your itinerary includes the storm region or connects through a heavily impacted hub, changing early usually gives you far more options. Waiting often means fewer seats and longer customer service lines.

What is a travel waiver and how do I use it?


A travel waiver is an airline policy that lets you change your flight (often without fees) during major disruptions like storms. You typically use it through the airline app or website by selecting “change flight” and following the waiver prompts.

If my flight is canceled, can I get a refund?


In most cases, yes. If your flight is canceled and you choose not to travel, you are generally entitled to a refund for the unused portion of your ticket. This includes most fare types, even basic economy, when the airline cancels.

If my flight is delayed, can I get a refund?


Sometimes. Refund eligibility depends on whether the delay is considered significant and whether you decide not to travel. If you accept a later replacement flight, you usually forfeit the refund.

Will the airline pay for my hotel or meals if I get stuck?


Usually not for weather disruptions. Airlines typically treat weather as outside their control, which often means no hotel or meal vouchers. Still, it is worth asking, especially if your delay turns into an overnight situation.

Can travel insurance or my credit card reimburse me if I get stranded?


Possibly. Many travel cards include trip delay or interruption coverage, but the rules vary and often require you to have booked the trip with that card. Keep all receipts and check your specific benefits.

Is driving a better option than flying during this storm?


Not necessarily. Storm conditions can make highways, bridges, and airport access roads dangerous. If local officials are advising people to stay off roads, that applies to getting to the airport too.

How can I avoid long customer service lines?


Rebook through the airline app if possible. Apps often update faster than airport lines move, and they let you lock in a seat while everyone else is still waiting to speak to an agent.

What is the safest strategy if I have to travel anyway?


Avoid tight connections, build extra buffer time, and choose routes with alternate options. If you can, avoid connecting through the most disrupted hubs and consider nonstop flights even if they are less convenient.