With storms brewing, you might have a chance to change your flight

• Airlines are preparing for two separate weather events: a potential tropical storm in the Gulf and severe weather in the Midwest.
• Potential Tropical Cyclone One is expected to bring heavy rain and flooding to Gulf Coast states like Texas and Louisiana.
• Travelers whose flights are canceled are entitled to a refund if they choose not to travel.

The Atlantic hurricane season just got its first named storm and airlines are warning about possible disruptions.

Tropical Storm Arthur formed in the Gulf of Mexico on June 17 and is expected to bring heavy rain to the Gulf Coast and Southeast in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service warns that a separate, severe weather outbreak is expected Wednesday for “portions of the Mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, particularly across parts of central Illinois and northwestern Indiana.” 

Several airlines are offering fee-free travel waivers to customers who may be impacted by either weather event. Times below are accurate as of the time of this story’s publication, but may change as weather conditions change. Customers should check their specific airline for the latest information. 

It’s important for travelers to carefully consider the options if their plans allow for flexibility, because if a flight is delayed due to weather – which is considered out of the airline's control – airlines don’t owe travelers anything for the inconvenience. Refunds are, however, owed for cancellations if the customers choose to no longer travel. 

American Airlines 

American Airlines customers with flights scheduled to, from and through the following airports on June 17 may rebook their flights for travel through June 19. There is no fee for rebooking within the same cabin class. Fare differences may apply for changing classes. 

• Champaign / Urbana, Illinois (CMI) 
• Chicago, Illinois (ORD) 
• Detroit, Michigan (DTW) 
• Evansville, Indiana (EVV) 
• Flint, Michigan (FNT) 
• Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR) 
• Indianapolis, Indiana (IND) 
• Kalamazoo / Battle Creek, Michigan (AZO) 
• Lansing, Michigan (LAN) 
• Madison, Wisconsin (MSN) 
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MKE) 
• South Bend, Indiana (SBN) 

Delta Air Lines 

Delta customers with flights booked to, from or through the following airports on June 17 and June 18 may rebook flights for travel no later than June 21. Fare differences may apply if changing cabin class. 

• Albany, GA (ABY) 

• Alexandria, LA (AEX)  

• Austin, TX (AUS)  

• Baton Rouge, LA (BTR)  

• Birmingham, AL (BHM)  

• Columbus, GA (CSG)  

• Columbus, MS (GTR)  

• Destin-Ft Walton Beach, FL (VPS)  

• Dothan, AL (DHN)  

• Gulfport/Biloxi, MS (GPT)  

• Houston-Intercontinental, TX (IAH) 

• Houston-Hobby, TX (HOU) 

• Jackson, MS (JAN) 

• Lafayette, LA (LFT)  

• New Orleans, LA (MSY)  

• Mobile, AL (MOB)  

• Monroe, LA (MLU)  

• Montgomery, AL (MGM)  

• Panama City, FL (ECP)  

• Pensacola, FL (PNS)  

• San Antonio, TX (SAT)  

• Shreveport, LA (SHV)  

• Tallahassee, FL (TLH)  

• Valdosta, GA (VLD) 

Southwest Airlines 

Southwest Airlines is offering a travel waiver for customers with flights to, from or through Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) on June 17. Travelers may rebook trips or fly standby between their same origin and destination cities anytime over the next 14 days.  

If travelers choose not to rebook their flight and their flight is canceled or significantly delayed, the airline says they may be eligible for a refund if they choose to no longer travel. The Department of Transportation requires all airlines to offer refunds for canceled flights, regardless of the reason for cancellation. Airlines do not have to offer refunds for delays out of their controls, but airlines can choose to do so on a case-by-case basis. 

United Airlines 

United travelers with flights scheduled for the following airports on June 17 may rebook flights for travel through June 20. New bookings must be within the same cabin class as on the original ticket. 

• Chicago, IL, US (ORD) 

• Decatur, IL, US (DEC) 

• Grand Rapids, MI, US (GRR) 

• Houston, TX, US (IAH) 

• Indianapolis, IN, US (IND) 

• Kalamazoo, MI, US (AZO) 

• Lafayette, IN, US (LAF) 

• Madison, WI, US (MSN) 

• Milwaukee, WI, US (MKE) 

• Moline, IL, US (MLI) 

• Peoria, IL, US (PIA) 

• South Bend, IN, US (SBN) 

• St. Louis, MO, US (STL)