As 2026 kicks off, travelers across the globe are facing significant disruptions due to severe winter weather, with thousands stranded at airports in both the United States and Europe. The situation serves as a stark reminder of why protecting your travel investment has never been more critical.
In the United States, flight-tracking services reported over 2,500 delays and 70 cancellations on Thursday alone, affecting major hubs such as Seattle, New York, Phoenix, and Boston. Airlines such as Delta, Alaska, JetBlue, and American struggled with deicing procedures and weather-related operational challenges, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives.
The situation is even more difficult in Europe, where Winter Storm Goretti has paralyzed Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport since early January. KLM, the Dutch national carrier, has canceled more than 3,200 flights since January 2, stranding approximately 300,000 travelers. The airline has been forced to set up emergency accommodations at the airport, with staff distributing beds, blankets, and food to passengers waiting for rebooking. Travelers who secured the best travel insurance before their trips are finding relief through trip interruption benefits.
For American travelers with connections through European hubs, the ripple effects have been substantial. Many have found themselves stuck for days, facing unexpected hotel costs, meal expenses, and the stress of missed connections. Before your next trip, it’s worth checking how much travel insurance costs — the investment is often far less than a single night at an airport hotel.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department issued updated travel advisories this week, reiterating its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for Russia and implementing new visa restrictions for nationals of 39 countries effective January 1. Travelers planning international trips should check current advisories and ensure their coverage includes trip cancellation benefits for changes resulting from those advisories.
With winter weather expected to remain a factor through the coming weeks, travel experts recommend booking with flexibility and securing adequate protection before departure. Whether facing weather delays, medical emergencies, or unexpected cancellations, having the right coverage can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a financial disaster.
