Industry Insights
U.S. Airlines Offer Increased Flexibility for Travelers During Hurricane Idalia
August 30, 2023
As Hurricane Idalia strikes the Gulf Coast region, U.S. airlines have proactively pulled down flights to prioritize the safety of all passengers and employees. To maintain the highest level of safety, the FAA has also closed air traffic facilities and airport authorities closed airports – including airfields and airport facilities – that are forecasted to be impacted by the hurricane. Tampa International Airport (TPA), St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) and Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) are among the Florida airports that instituted closures ahead of the storm. Safety is always the top priority of the U.S. airline industry, and carriers will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to assess the storms impacts and adjust operating conditions in real time.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicts they will screen more than 2.7 million travelers during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Ahead of this busy travel week, A4A member airlines are offering flexibility for travelers whose air travel plans are impacted by the hurricane. For example, many A4A passenger carriers have issued travel waivers allowing customers who have impacted flights increased flexibility. Carriers are continuing to update these policies as the situation evolves.
Here are some of the many ways airlines are working with passengers affected by Hurricane Idalia:
Alaska Airlines
Alaska has issued a travel advisory for customers who would like to change or cancel their flight to/from Fort Myers (RSW), Orlando (MCO) or Tampa (TPA).
Learn more on Alaska’s travel advisory page.
American Airlines
American has issued a travel alert for 12 airports in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, allowing customers whose travel plans are affected by Hurricane Idalia to rebook without change fees.
Learn more on American’s travel alert page.
Delta Air Lines
Delta has issued travel waivers for customers who may be impacted by Hurricane Idalia at 17 airports across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. The waiver is in effect for customers who are scheduled to travel from August 28 – 31.
Learn more on Delta’s travel advisory page.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is waiving change/cancel fees and fare differences for customers traveling August 29 -31 to/from Charleston, SC (CHS), Fort Myers, FL (RSW), Jacksonville, FL (JAX), Orlando, FL (MCO), Sarasota, FL (SRQ), Savannah/Hilton Head, GA (SAV) and Tampa, FL (TPA).
Learn more on JetBlue’s travel alerts page.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has issued a travel waiver for customers who are scheduled to travel August 28 – 31 to/from Charleston, SC (CHS), Fort Myers, FL (RSW), Destin- Fort Walton (VPS), Jacksonville, FL (JAX), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Orlando, FL (MCO), Panama City (ECP), Pensacola (PNS), Sarasota, FL (SRQ), Savannah/Hilton Head, GA (SAV) and Tampa, FL (TPA).
Learn more on Southwest’s travel waiver page.
United Airlines
United is waiving change fees for customers who are scheduled to travel August 28 – 31 to/from Charleston, SC (CHS), Hilton Head (HHH) Fort Myers, FL (RSW), Destin- Fort Walton (VPS), Fort Myers, FL (RSW), Jacksonville, FL (JAX), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Orlando, FL (MCO), Panama City (ECP), Pensacola (PNS), Sarasota, FL (SRQ), Savannah/Hilton Head, GA (SAV) and Tampa, FL (TPA).
Learn more on United’s travel notice page.
Travelers should check individual airline websites linked above for more details on carriers’ travel waivers as they continue to update travel throughout the storm’s progression.
Updated August 30, 2023 at 8 a.m.