United warns disruptions at six East Coast airports

United Airlines warned customers of disruption at six East Coast airports after thunderstorms and low clouds snarled operations ahead of the Memorial Day travel rush. The carrier posted an “East Coast Thunderstorms” waiver for May 20 covering Baltimore/Washington International, Reagan National, Newark Liberty, Washington Dulles, LaGuardia and Philadelphia, according to United’s travel-waiver page. The advisory came after FlightAware data cited by The Travel showed United logged 820 delays on Wednesday, affecting more than a quarter of its schedule, along with 95 cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration said weather conditions in the New York and Washington regions were still a factor on Thursday morning. ### Which airports were included in United’s warning? United’s May 20 waiver named BWI, DCA, EWR, IAD, LGA and PHL as impacted airports, according to the airline’s Jetstream public advisory page. The waiver code listed was 7JCM5, and the affected travel date shown on the notice was May 20. The Travel reported on May 21 that United had warned of disruptions at six major East Coast airports as holiday traffic built before Memorial Day weekend. The publication said the airline linked the warning to thunderstorms that delayed about 25% of its flights. ### How bad were United’s delays? FlightAware figures cited by The Travel showed United recorded 820 delayed flights on Wednesday and 95 cancellations. The outlet said those delays affected more than one-quarter of United’s total flight volume that day. MSN’s pickup of the same report said thunderstorms on the East Coast drove delays across roughly a quarter of United’s operation. (jetstream.united.com) The report did not add airports beyond those identified in United’s waiver. ### What was happening across the East Coast system? The FAA said in its daily air traffic report for Thursday, May 21, that low clouds could slow traffic in New York — Newark, JFK and LaGuardia — and in Washington, D.C. — Baltimore/Washington, Reagan National and Dulles. (thetravel.com) The agency separately said thunderstorms could slow traffic in other parts of the country, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Orlando and Tampa. (msn.com) MSN reported on May 21 that thunderstorms in the tri-state area had triggered ground stops at more than four major East Coast airports. The broader disruption came as Memorial Day travel volumes were rising. ### Why did this matter for Memorial Day travelers? May 21 was the day before the heaviest Memorial Day getaway traffic began, when airlines and airports typically see a sharp rise in passenger volumes. (faa.gov) United’s warning mattered because several of the affected airports — Newark, Dulles and LaGuardia in particular — are major connecting or origin points for East Coast travelers. (msn.com) United’s public travel-alert page says customers traveling to or from affected airports should check for the most up-to-date flight options and, when eligible, can rebook under waiver terms without change fees and fare differences. The airline’s help center also directs passengers to text or call customer service for assistance. ### What should travelers watch next? (jetstream.united.com) The FAA’s Thursday, May 21 report said weather risks remained in the New York and Washington airspace even after the worst of Wednesday’s thunderstorms had passed. United’s advisory pages direct customers to monitor flight status and travel alerts for updates tied to specific airports and dates. Memorial Day weekend travel continues through Monday, May 25, and the next concrete checkpoints for passengers are airline flight-status updates, airport-specific alerts and any new FAA traffic advisories issued for the East Coast hubs named in United’s waiver. (united.com) (jetstream.united.com)