Airlines Offer Travel Waivers As Winter Storm Approaches NJ

NEW JERSEY — The nation’s top airlines are issuing travel waivers ahead of a potential bomb cyclone weather system with the potential to bring heavy rain, powerful winds and a little snow to New Jersey.

The widespread storm could lead to major delays and a significant number of flight cancelations in the days leading up to Christmas, AccuWeather warns. Read more: Heavy Rain, Floods, 'Dangerous' Windchills In NJ During Christmas Week

In most cases, a waiver means tickets can be changed for another date without an extra fee. Airlines are continuing to update information on their websites as forecasts become more precise. Be sure to check the specific language on the airlines’ website about travel waivers and what travel dates are available for rebooking.

About 7.2 million people are expected to fly to their holiday destinations over the next several days.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expects a particularly busy holiday season out of Newark Liberty International Airport, with the number of domestic travel anticipated to exceed 2019 levels by 2 percent. Travelers should reach the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departure times, the Port Authority advised.

As of midday Tuesday, here’s the latest information on airline waivers:

United Airlines is offering winter waivers in the Midwest, Texas, the East Coast, and for the Central and Northwest U.S.

About 50 airports are affected on the East Coast, and the waivers apply for tickets purchased by Sunday, Dec. 18, for travel between Dec. 22-25. Impacted locations include Newark Liberty International, Philadelphia International Airport, and both of New York's main hubs (John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport).

The United Midwest waivers affect about 30 airports, and are good on tickets purchased by Saturday. Dec. 17, for travel from Dec. 21-25.

• Related: Massive Holiday Storm Could Bring Bomb Cyclone, Blizzards To U.S.

American Airlines is offering waivers for about 30 airports in the Midwest and another 30 in the Northeast, including Newark, Philadelphia, JFK and LaGuardia. More information is found on the airline’s website.

Southwest Airlines has issued winter weather waivers in the Rocky Mountains, Midwest, East and Northeast regions.

JetBlue made waivers available for people changing flights in or out of airports in Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Spirit Airlines said it would issue winter weather waivers on travel to and from about 18 airports in the Midwest and Northeast, including Newark, LaGuardia and Philadelphia.

Delta is offering waivers for travel in and out of about a dozen airports in the Northwest and Mountain Region.

Alaska Airlines issued waivers on flights to and from Seattle.