Business travellers heading to or transiting through the United States this week have been given added flexibility. Cathay Pacific announced at 15:59 HKT on 22 January that change and re-routing fees will be waived for tickets issued on or before the same day for flights to, from or via New York, Boston, Dallas and Chicago between 23 and 26 January.
The policy, triggered by severe winter storm ‘Fern’ sweeping across the U.S. Midwest and East Coast, allows customers to rebook travel up to 28 February 2026 without penalty. Fare differences still apply, but no administrative charges will be levied. Travellers with redemption tickets enjoy identical flexibility, while those who purchased through third-party agents must process changes via their original channel.
If the altered dates mean you suddenly need to extend or refresh an ESTA or obtain a new U.S. visa, VisaHQ can fast-track the paperwork, flag any documentation gaps, and monitor status updates on your behalf; Hong Kong–based travellers can start the process online at https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/.
![Cathay Pacific waives change fees on U.S. flights as snowstorm Fern disrupts travel]()
Global mobility managers with employees on assignment or rotation should review itineraries immediately, ensuring accommodation and per-diem extensions are in place where necessary. Companies should also remind staff that U.S. carriers are facing knock-on disruptions, so onward connections may require additional buffer time.
Cathay’s proactive waiver underscores the importance of monitoring carrier travel-alert pages and incorporating real-time disruption clauses into corporate travel policies. Insurers note that voluntary rebooking under an airline waiver will generally preserve coverage, whereas self-initiated changes outside stated windows may invalidate claims.
The airline will continue to assess the weather system and may extend the validity period if conditions deteriorate. Travellers are encouraged to register for Cathay’s notification centre for instant SMS and email updates.
The policy, triggered by severe winter storm ‘Fern’ sweeping across the U.S. Midwest and East Coast, allows customers to rebook travel up to 28 February 2026 without penalty. Fare differences still apply, but no administrative charges will be levied. Travellers with redemption tickets enjoy identical flexibility, while those who purchased through third-party agents must process changes via their original channel.
If the altered dates mean you suddenly need to extend or refresh an ESTA or obtain a new U.S. visa, VisaHQ can fast-track the paperwork, flag any documentation gaps, and monitor status updates on your behalf; Hong Kong–based travellers can start the process online at https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/.
Global mobility managers with employees on assignment or rotation should review itineraries immediately, ensuring accommodation and per-diem extensions are in place where necessary. Companies should also remind staff that U.S. carriers are facing knock-on disruptions, so onward connections may require additional buffer time.
Cathay’s proactive waiver underscores the importance of monitoring carrier travel-alert pages and incorporating real-time disruption clauses into corporate travel policies. Insurers note that voluntary rebooking under an airline waiver will generally preserve coverage, whereas self-initiated changes outside stated windows may invalidate claims.
The airline will continue to assess the weather system and may extend the validity period if conditions deteriorate. Travellers are encouraged to register for Cathay’s notification centre for instant SMS and email updates.
