Proactive Weather Response

Safety is our Priority

Safety will always be U.S. airlines’ top priority. Airlines do everything within their control to ensure flights depart and arrive on time, but if conditions make it unsafe to operate an aircraft or for crews to work outside, our planes will not take off. When this happens, we work with our industry partners to minimize disruptions and recover quickly so we can return to doing what we love: connecting the world.

DOWNLOAD YOUR CARRIERS APP

U.S. airlines have made significant investments in their mobile apps so they can provide important flight updates such as boarding times, gate numbers and other necessary announcements. Apps enable your carrier to initiate more proactive measures to rebook and accommodate passengers in advance so that operations can recover and return to normal more quickly.

In Inclement Weather, Airlines Take Action

Airlines work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and other industry partners to reduce the impact on air travel when inclement weather is expected. Preparation efforts and communication amongst parties increases before, during and immediately following significant weather events, including summer afternoon thunderstorms, hurricanes and winter snow.

Collaborative decision making

Modern forecasting

Proactive philosophy

Streamlined communication

Collaborative decision making

Highly-trained experts in meteorology and air traffic management work to reduce the impact of weather delays on passengers 24/7, 365.

Alert any schedule changes to the FAA’s air traffic “Command Center” in Warrenton, VA.
Monitor airport arrival demand to make the most of airport capacity and performance.
Address the effects of bad weather on airspace traffic and congestion.

Modern forecasting

Airlines want to give customers the most up-to-date information possible, especially when disruptions to travel may occur. High-capability weather modeling and real-time tools allow the airlines to identify weather patterns like never before. Tracking and monitoring weather trends gives us the ability to adjust flight paths that keep flights moving. Early decision-making helps U.S. airlines proactively adjust operations plans in a way that benefits passengers, employees and aircraft. It reduces the amount of time lost for passengers and helps accommodate travelers on the next available flight.

Proactive philosophy

Early decision-making helps U.S. airlines proactively adjust operations plans in a way that benefits passengers, employees and aircraft. It reduces the amount of time lost for passengers and helps accommodate travelers on the next available flight.

Streamlined communication

The use of social media, alerts, mobile applications and website updates gives passengers more access than ever before to the latest scheduling and weather information.

Real-time information.
Rebooking options.
Time-saving solutions in the event of delays.

How can weather impact air travel?

U.S. airlines are working diligently to ensure the safety of travelers, especially when it comes to severe storms.
We do everything possible to ensure that flights arrive at their destinations on time. But safety is and always will be our top priority.
Severe weather events can impact flights. This is actually the most common reason for delays and cancellations.
Severe weather poses unique challenges with high winds and low-visibility conditions. Decisions to change flight plans are never taken lightly. They are always done in the interest of safety.

It’s sunny outside. Why is my flight delayed because of weather?

It’s important to understand that the FAA and our nation’s air traffic controllers are looking at weather events across the country all day, every day to see if there’s anything that might impact a flight path, not just at a certain point of departure.
We never want to delay or cancel a flight. But if there’s any question of safety, our planes will not take off. Period.