- Flight Disruptions
- Northeast snowstorm and TSA PreCheck confusion disrupt U.S. air travel
Northeast snowstorm and TSA PreCheck confusion disrupt U.S. air travel
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Checked by Carmina Davis
Last updated on 24 February 2026
8,000
Affected flights
5
Affected airports
8,000
Affected flights
5
Affected airports
What Happened
A major snowstorm in the Northeast, combined with brief TSA PreCheck pauses, triggered widespread U.S. flight disruption. Nationwide cancellations reached at least 8,000, with further ripple effects into Monday. LAX recorded 82 cancellations and 101 delays, while Chicago’s O’Hare logged 133 cancellations and Midway 23. Travelers also faced long lines at Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and significant fare spikes on certain routes. Authorities later confirmed PreCheck would continue, though adjustments were made locally to prioritize core security operations.
Flight Disruption Details
A powerful snowstorm impacting the Northeast, alongside brief and quickly reversed changes to TSA PreCheck operations, caused widespread disruption across U.S. air travel. The combined effect led to cancellations, delays, and long security lines at several major airports.
Nationwide, at least 8,000 flights were canceled as the storm moved through, with more than 5,000 cancellations already recorded into Monday, indicating ongoing ripple effects. Passengers at Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports reported extended queues at both domestic and international checkpoints. Some travelers attempting to reroute faced steep prices and limited availability on key Northeast routes.
On the West Coast, TSA PreCheck was briefly closed at LAX on Sunday morning, sending all passengers to standard screening before the service reopened shortly after. During that period, Los Angeles International Airport reported 82 cancellations and 101 delays.
In Chicago, travelers encountered both weather-related schedule issues and confusion over TSA services. Although a suspension of PreCheck and Global Entry had been announced to begin at 5 a.m. local time, passengers were observed using PreCheck lanes by 6 a.m. TSA subsequently confirmed PreCheck would continue, with operations adjusted case by case. Chicago O’Hare reported 133 cancellations with average delays around 16 minutes, while Midway recorded 23 cancellations with average delays under 15 minutes. Additionally, some courtesy and congressional escort services were paused to redirect staff to core security functions.
The disruption extended into the start of the week, with continuing cancellations and delays as airlines and airports worked through backlogs from the storm. Travelers at affected airports were advised to allow extra time for security screening and to check flight status frequently as conditions and operations evolved through the day.
Confirmed affected locations included Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway, with both cancellations and delays reported across these hubs.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
8000
Airports affected
Miami airport, Fort Lauderdale airport, LAX, O'Hare, Midway
Cities affected
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Chicago
Checked by
Carmina Davis
Date updated
24 February 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
