If you’ve ever watched your flight time get pushed back again and again while clutching a half-empty coffee, you’re not alone—especially if you were flying this week.

On Monday, severe thunderstorms swept across the East Coast, causing major travel disruptions.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by grounding flights at several of the country’s busiest airports.


That led to widespread delays, hundreds of cancellations, and thousands of frustrated travelers.

Here’s what happened, what it means for your travel plans, and how to stay prepared the next time the weather takes a turn.

Severe storms bring air traffic to a halt​

The trouble began Monday afternoon, when JFK Airport in New York was placed under a ground stop due to dangerous thunderstorms.

Soon, the list expanded to include Philadelphia International Airport and Washington’s Reagan National Airport.

By the end of the day, other major hubs along the East Coast were also affected, causing major delays.

In aviation, a “ground stop” means that no departing flights are allowed to take off—usually due to safety concerns or air traffic control issues.

These orders may only last a short time, but they create a domino effect throughout the system.

When one airport pauses, planes and crews wind up in the wrong cities, and the ripple can last for hours—or even longer.

Also read: Why did a Tokyo-to-Houston flight make an emergency stop in Seattle? It wasn’t turbulence!​

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Thousands of flights delayed or canceled​

By Monday evening, the numbers told the story. Over 5,700 flights in and out of the US were delayed, and more than 800 flights were canceled entirely.

The New York, Philadelphia, and Washington areas alone saw over 1,500 delays.

• At JFK, delays reached two hours and 35 minutes.
• At Newark, the average delay exceeded three hours and 17 minutes.
• Even airports like Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental were hit by local weather conditions, further adding to the mess.

What began as a manageable delay for some travelers quickly turned into full-on cancellations and stranded passengers across the country.

Also read: Stunned passengers watch crew wrestle first-class passenger in mid-flight meltdown​

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Why do flight delays spiral out of control?​

Air travel depends on an intricate chain of timing. When one part breaks, everything can fall apart.

If a plane is grounded in one city, it may not make it to its next destination in time.

If a crew times out—reaching the limit of hours they can legally work—they can’t operate another leg of the journey.

Add in other existing challenges like air traffic controller shortages and airport construction projects (such as those at Newark), and you’ve got a recipe for serious disruption.

Also read: Mid-air mayhem: Passengers become unexpected heroes after the ceiling collapses on a flight​

What to do if your flight is grounded​

Travel experts say the best thing to do during widespread delays is to stay calm—and act fast.

Here are some strategies to improve your odds of getting to your destination sooner:

1. Rebook as soon as possible: Use your airline’s app or website to rebook instead of waiting in line at the gate. You may be offered options faster than others waiting for live help.
2. Call international customer service lines: Try reaching the airline’s help desk in another country (like Canada or the UK) where call volume is lower. These agents can usually assist with rebooking.
3. Know your rights: If your flight is canceled, you’re legally entitled to a full refund—even if your ticket was nonrefundable. If you're delayed overnight, ask the airline about food vouchers or hotel accommodations.
4. Pack with delays in mind: Bring snacks, phone chargers, a water bottle, and a good book. If you’re traveling for something time-sensitive, consider flying a day early to allow for schedule changes.
5. Stay informed: Track your flight and weather forecasts using airline apps or third-party tools. Signing up for flight alerts can give you an edge.

Also read: Flight attendants' secret greeting strategy unveiled—find out why they never miss saying "hello"​

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More storms are on the way​

Unfortunately, the skies aren’t clearing just yet.

Forecasters expect additional thunderstorms along the East Coast, from New Hampshire to the Carolinas, through Tuesday.

Travelers are being urged to monitor conditions closely and allow extra time at the airport.

Also read: The best seats to avoid motion sickness, according to flight attendants​

While flight delays are frustrating, sometimes a shift in mindset can make a long wait more bearable.

Take the opportunity to catch up on reading, call a friend, or even strike up a friendly chat with a fellow traveler.

Some airports now feature lounges, local art exhibits, yoga spaces, or live music—worth exploring while you wait for the next weather update.

Here’s hoping your next flight takes off on time, your seat reclines smoothly, and the skies stay clear—wherever your travels take you.

Read next: Unruly passenger’s X-rated mid-flight incident forces plane back to gate


Have you been caught in a major flight delay or cancellation before? What’s your go-to strategy when travel plans fall apart? Do you have tips for staying comfortable, rebooking quickly, or keeping stress levels down in the middle of airport chaos?

Tell us about it in the comments below. Your story might be just the thing another traveler needs to hear!