Hurricane Michael is expected to rip across the Southeast, which could mean flight cancellations or delays over the next week.
As of Monday, a tropical storm has strengthened into a severe hurricane ripping through Mexico and Cuba. Hurricane Michael is predicted to make landfall as a Category 3 major hurricane with 120 mph top sustained winds and is slated to be “a dangerous major hurricane.”
As Hurricane Michael strengthens, several airlines have issued travel waivers for travelers to rebook or cancel their flights for no additional fee. Here are a list of airlines and information about their warnings, with certain stipulations.
Allegiant Air
Although 14 flights have been canceled between Wednesday, October 10 and Thursday, October 11, some flights have been refunded or rescheduled.
American Airlines
Under a new policy, American Airlines will not rebook flights for travelers who are not in their frequent-flyer program. However, in light of the hurricane, the airlines will waive the fee for flights traveling to and from cities such as Destin / Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Mobile, Alabama (MOB), Panama City, Pensacola, and Tallahassee.
Delta Airlines
If you wish to cancel your trip, due to flight cancellation or significant delay (over 90 minutes), you are eligible to receive a refund. Travelers can make a one-time change to tickets without additional fees, only if traveling to or from a specific destination with Delta, or Delta associated flights (Delta Connection, Delta-coded). The Atlanta Delta Airport has agreed to cap airfares traveling to and from certain cities in Alabama and Florida, later this week.
Frontier
Travelers whose flights are canceled may request a refund. Travel between October 9 and October 11 can make one itinerary change, with fees waived. Airports covered include Pensacola, FL (PNS); Atlanta, GA (ATL); Birmingham, AL (BHM); Tampa, FL (TPA)
JetBlue
Travelers have the option to request a refund for canceled flights or rebook through October 13. However, the original travel plans have to be booked on or before October 8. Changes can be made at jetblue.com or by phone at 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583).
Southwest
Travelers who purchased tickets directly through Southwest.com or on the mobile app are eligible to reschedule their travel plans online or from their mobile device. Customers who did not must call 1-800-435-9792 to speak with a rep.
United
Any fee change will be waived for flights departing between October 8 and October 18, as long as travel is rescheduled in the same fare class and between the same cities.
For more information on canceled flights, refunds or rescheduling, contact your current airline provider.