Airlines Cancel Flights Before Storm

PHILADELPHIA - The major airlines are making moves to prepare for the storm. They want to keep passengers from becoming stranded.

Most airlines are waiving fees for travelers who have to change their travel plans.

Many carriers have already canceled flights in and out of airports along the East Coast, including Philadelphia International Airport.

Southwest Airlines announced by Thursday afternoon that, based on the forecasted winter weather conditions, it was canceling the majority of its afternoon and evening service Friday, all service on Saturday and some early-morning Sunday departures.

"Our ability to resume scheduled service is contingent upon the conditions of the runways, taxiways, and other airport services," the airline stated on its Web site .

Customers seeking specific flight information are urged to check the airline's flight status information page.

"Customers holding reservations to/from PHL from 1200CT on Friday (February 5) through Sunday (February 7) are eligible to reschedule their flight in accordance with our accommodation procedures: the flexibilty to rebook this flight in the original class of service or travel standby within 14 days of the original date of travel between the original city-pairs without paying any additional charge."

Rebooking online is also available by clicking on "reschedule your flight." Customers who did not buy their ticket via Southwest.com should call 1-800-435-9792.

Southwest customers who hold reservations for a canceled flight to or from PHL may request a refund for an unused ticket/travel itinerary by calling 1-800-435-9792.

The airline had published similar updates for Baltimore (BWI), Pittsburgh (PIT), and two Washington, D.C., area airports (Dulles and IAD).

United, Continental and US Airways all plan to waive certain fees for customers who have to change travel plans.

Detailed Travel Advisories: US Airways | United | Continental

That applies for most customers flying in or out of Philly International and other east coast cities through Sunday.

Each airline is a bit different, and some may have even booked you on new flight already, so make sure to check their individual Web sites. And, remember, this information is changing frequently.

Amtrak has canceled most service south of Washington, D.C., because of the snow.

As of Thursday night, the cancelation affects trains south of the nation's capital, but officials expect service through Philadelphia will be impacted. Check here for the latest details from Amtrak .