Currently in Asia and just woke to the DL emails advising of the situation and waiver. My husband is flying back to the states today, with a domestic connection to ANC, and I’m the same on the 9th. Overall not too concerned just yet as it looks like international isn’t slated to be impacted at this time, and with DL having a much smaller slice of ANC I’m doubting any of those will be on the chopping block.

I do worry the most in the short term of DL’s systems (and other airlines as well) of being overrun by folks attempting to alter plans. My experience with past weather waivers on DL is that self-service options never worked and you would have to call in to get a change made without a difference in fare. Let’s hope IT improvements have been made to make this smoother. Looks like the few comments I’ve seen on here so far have been positive with regards to changes. I do think DL was a bit optimistic only offering Nov 7-9 for now as waiver dates. Though hopefully this will force a miracle in congress and get things moving sooner.

I also did think it was a little “in the face” to the customer for DL to quickly point out how they aren’t responsible for other incurred costs. (Which they aren’t, but still is rubbing salt in the wound for some folks).

Airline pilot hat on for a minute:

As with any IROP situation having aircraft and crew out of place is a major concern. You’ve got a delicate balance to contend with and not to mention commuting crew that will face difficulties getting to/from work as flights get cancelled and remaining ones fill up with rebooked pax. If this drags on more than a few more weeks we are also more likely to see more ATC issues and TSA shortages, which will obviously extend the waiver, but create more issues as airlines switch into holiday schedule
mode.

Good luck to those impacted the next few days.