Dallas weather: Airlines make winter weather plans

DALLAS - Local airports and airlines are closely watching the weather as a winter storm threatens to cause flight delays and cancellations this weekend.

What we know:

Both major Dallas airports are monitoring the forecasts to ensure safe operations.

Love Field says to check with your airline for potential cancellations and delays over the coming days.

"We have about five snow sweepers ready, but we're also looking at our liquid and solid de-icers to ensure that the airfield is free from any ice build up," Patrick Clarke, an employee at Love Field, told FOX 4's Amelia Jones.

"We are in communication with the FAA right now and the note is, be ready, be prepared, so we're just monitoring conditions right now but come this weekend, we're moving into action," Clarke continued.
 

Dallas Fort Worth Internation Airport (DFW) says they are working closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) to track the forecast and assess any potential impact on flights.

DFW also said they are ready to treat roads, bridges and runways.

What they're saying:

If a ground stop were to happen at either airport, it could come from the FAA.

The FAA, which handles all air traffic, has more information on their winter weather plans on their website.

"The FAA provides a number of  safety resources  to inform and prepare all stakeholders. In addition to safety resources, the agency provides funding to support winter operations at the nation’s airports through the  Airport Improvement Program."

Airlines release travel advisories

Multiple airlines have released travel advisories for Texas airports that may be impacted by winter weather this weekend.

Southwest flights scheduled to travel to or from Dallas (Love Field) (DAL), Houston (Hobby) (HOU) San Antonio (SAT), Austin (AUS), Amarillo (AMA), and Lubbock (LBB) could be impacted by the weather.

American Airlines flights going to or from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Austin (AUS), Houston George Bush (IAH), Lubbock (LBB), Midland/Odessa (MAF) and San Antonio (SAT) could see delays or cancellations.

Delta's airports that could be impacted are Austin (AUS), both Dallas airports (DFW and DAL), both Houston airports (IAH and HOU), and San Antonio (SAT).

Spirit Airlines says flights from Austin (AUS), Dallas (DFW), and San Antonio (SAT) could see impacted travel.

Frontier Airlines notes Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Houston George Bush (IAH), Austin (AUS) and San Antionio (SAT) could see flight changes, as well as El Paso (ELP).

Customers traveling this weekend are encouraged to check their flight status for delays, cancellations, and how to get a refund or reschedule your flight.

Local perspective:

Some travelers at Love Field were happy to be traveling before things got too hectic.

Kristie Filipiak was in Dallas for work and heading home to Chicago on Wednesday.

"I'm not too concerned, but I know a lot of people here are," Filipiak said. "And we actually have another work group coming and I think they're concerned about getting back home on Friday."

Celina resident Chris Longtin is trying to beat the weather. He's heading to Houston for a quick work trip, coming back Thursday.

"Trying to get back ahead of the whole storm and everything, hoping to be back tomorrow evening. That way I can be back with the wife and kids, and they don't have to struggle through it by themselves," Longtin told Jones.

Travel experts' advice

Dig deeper:

Airlines like American Airlines and Southwest have offered waivers for passengers to change their flights free of cost. Travel expert Gabe Saglie encourages people to take advantage of it. 

"I think those of us who are super flexible stand to benefit the most here," Saglie said. "We will either take that change flight. If our flight is canceled and we're okay with it, we'll get our money back."

Remember you do have a right to a refund for your flight if it is canceled.

"So if your three hour plus delay turns into something longer, and you don't want to take the flight at all, you can request a refund," travel expert Katy Nastro told Jones. "However, you then forfeit the right to get rebooked on a new flight the next day or two days out. So just keep that in mind."

Dallas Weather Forecast

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for North and Central Texas starting Friday afternoon and continuing through Sunday morning. An Extreme Cold Watch will also be in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning.

FOX 4 forecasters warn that North Texas may not climb back above freezing until Tuesday afternoon, meaning the region could face nearly 100 hours of sub-freezing temperatures.

While the forecast remains susceptible to change, current data suggests a transition from cold rain to a wintry mix beginning Friday. 

• North of DFW (Sherman, Paris, Graham): Sleet is expected to begin Friday night, transitioning to mostly snow by Saturday. Arrival is likely after 2 p.m. Friday.
• DFW Metroplex: Sleet is forecast to begin late Friday and continue into Saturday morning, ending as snow Saturday night. The most likely arrival time for the wintry mix in Dallas is 6 p.m. Friday.
• South of DFW (Waco, Palestine, Killeen): Freezing rain is expected Friday night, transitioning to sleet by early Saturday. The mix will likely arrive after 10 p.m. Friday.