It’s heading for the East Coast, but whether or not the predicted nor’easter will pummel residents or simply blow by, airlines aren’t taking any chances. United and Delta have already canceled 650 flights total in preparation for the weather blitz, and it’s likely not going to end there, as many people already devastated by Sandy brace for Mother Nature’s newest challenge.

It’s been only about a week since East Coast airports started to reopen after Hurricane Sandy, and air travel has barely returned to normal, notes USA Today. To that end, United, the No. 1 domestic airline, has already gone ahead and canceled 500 flights between today and tomorrow in advance of the winter storm, mostly in the New York area.

Delta is following the lead of the country’s biggest carrier and canned 150 flights today, as a spokesman explains the airline is “monitoring conditions closely.” It has hubs in the East Coast at LaGuardia, JFK and Philadelphia, so better safe than sorry, right?

US Airways has canceled 94 flights total, again, most in the East Coast area, and will likely increase that count if the nor’easter does its worst. The Federal Aviation Administration’s delay page  is already showing delays of about an hour and a half.

The good news? Most airlines are waiving change fees in light of this latest weather snafu, so make sure to ask about whether or not that charge will be levied against you when calling to reschedule your flight today.

United, Delta cancel 650 flights as new storm menaces fliers [USA Today]

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