Summary Box: After thousands of cancellations, airlines being aiming for normal

Summary Box: Airlines dig out after storm

DIGGING OUT: Airlines that have canceled thousands of flights this week will begin aiming for a more normal schedule starting Friday.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Monitor flights online to minimize the chance of getting stuck at the airport if your flight is canceled. Consider booking a room near the airport — but watch the hotel cancellation policies.

WHAT’S NEXT: It could take days for the airlines to get back to normal, and the ripple effects may be felt far away from the snow. So be prepared for delays even if you’re not flying to or from an airport that was hit by the storms.