The southeastern United States is bracing for a severe winter storm this weekend. The storm, which has been named Fern, is expected to impact more than 150 million people from Texas to Washington D.C.
What We Know About Winter Storm Fern
Initial impacts from the storm are expected to begin on Friday and the models have shifted significantly over the last 12 hours. The storm system has moved north by a few hundred miles and the models may not be done shifting just yet.
Depending on where you’re traveling to, from, or through this weekend, you could find anything from snow to sleet or freezing rain. The southernmost portions of the storm are just expected to pick up some rain.
Major airline hubs in Atlanta and Dallas will be impacted by winter weather, including ice and sleet, over the weekend which could cause significant delays or cancellations. Areas further north are expected to get some significant snowfall.
Driving conditions will likely be treacherous across the southeast and airlines are expecting significant disruptions over the weekend.
Airlines Issue Waivers Ahead of Winter Storm Fern
In preparation for the storm, many airlines have already issues travel waivers. Given the size of the impacted area, I won’t list all of the airports with waivers but I have provided links to each airline’s waiver page.
American Airlines
American Airlines has issued a travel waiver for passengers traveling between January 23-25th. American’s hubs in Charlotte (CLT), Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW) and Washington D.C. (DCA) are covered under the waiver. Change fees are being waived for travelers if they:
- Are traveling on an American Airlines flight
- Are booked in any fare class, including Basic Economy
- Bought a ticket by January 19, 2026
- Are scheduled to travel January 23 – 25, 2026
- Can travel January 21 – 28, 2026
- Don’t change your origin or destination city
- Rebook in the same cabin or pay the difference
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines has issued a travel waiver for passengers traveling between January 23-25th. Delta’s hub in Atlanta (ATL) and its Austin (AUS) and Raleigh/Durham (RDU) focus cities are covered under the waiver. Change fees are being waived for travelers if they:
- Are booked in any fare class
- Are scheduled to travel January 23 – 25, 2026
- Can start their trip no later than January 28, 2026
- Don’t change your origin or destination city
- Rebook in the same cabin or pay the difference
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has not issued a travel waiver at this time. Many of the airline’s focus cities, including Dallas (DAL) and Nashville (BNA) are expected to be in the path of the storm. If a waiver is issued, we will update it here.
United Airlines
United Airlines has issued a travel waiver for passengers traveling between January 23-25th. United’s hubs in Houston (IAH) is covered under the waiver. Change fees are being waived for travelers if they:
- Rebook in the same cabin or pay the difference
- Are traveling on an United Airlines flight
- Are booked in any fare class, including Basic Economy
- Bought a ticket by January 20, 2026
- Are scheduled to travel January 23 – 25, 2026
- Can travel January 21 – 29, 2026
- Don’t change your origin or destination city
Other Carriers
Summary
Severe winter weather is expected to blanket the southeastern United States as early as Friday. Because of the impending storm, many airlines have begun to issue travel waivers. If you are traveling this weekend, check directly with your airline for the status of your flights.