Several major airlines are offering flexible travel policies and cancellation waivers as winter weather threatens to disrupt flights in and out of Houston-area airports.
Freezing temperatures, snow and ice could lead to delays or cancellations between Friday and early next week, prompting carriers to allow travelers to rebook without paying change fees if certain conditions are met.
American Airlines
American Airlines has issued a travel alert for Winter Storm Fern, impacting dozens of airports, including Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Passengers may qualify for a change-fee waiver if they:
- Are traveling on an American Airlines flight
- Purchased tickets by January 19, 2026
- Were originally scheduled to travel January 23–26, 2026
- Rebook travel between January 21–29, 2026
- Do not change their origin or destination
- Rebook in the same cabin (fare difference may apply)
Eligible customers can make a one-time change online or contact reservations for assistance. Changes must be made by January 26, 2026.
United Airlines
United Airlines is also offering flexible options for travelers flying to or from Houston (IAH) and other impacted Southern and Midwest airports.
Passengers with tickets purchased on or before January 20, 2026, and scheduled to travel between January 23–25, 2026, may:
- Reschedule their trip with change fees and fare differences waived
- Rebook travel on United flights departing between January 21–29, 2026
- Keep the same cities and cabin class
Customers are encouraged to manage changes through United’s “View Your Trip” portal.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines warns that flights may be delayed, diverted, or canceled due to winter weather impacting Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) and many other cities nationwide.
Travelers flying between Jan. 23–26 may:
- Rebook or travel standby within 14 days of their original travel date without a fare increase
- Receive a refund, even on non-refundable tickets, if Southwest cancels or significantly delays their flight
Customers who booked directly through Southwest can modify reservations online or through the mobile app.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines has activated flexible travel policies for passengers traveling through Houston (IAH) between January 23–25, 2026.
Eligible travelers may:
- Modify or rebook flights with change fees and fare differences waived through January 28, 2026
- After that date, change fees remain waived, but fare differences may apply
Spirit advises customers to check travel alerts frequently as conditions change.