Cancelled flights and travel disruptions: Navigating Hurricane Milton’s aftermath

Following reports of price gouging, President Joe Biden urged airlines to avoid overcharging evacuees, with airlines introducing fare caps in response. As travel disruptions continue, passengers should stay informed and seek assistance.

Here’s what travellers need to know about their rights, and what steps to take if their flight is affected by cancellations:

Monitor the weather and check your flight status

Hurricane Milton’s impact lingers, with Florida airports closed and travel disruptions nationwide. Stay informed through weather reports and flight updates, and verify airport openings and flight status with airlines before heading out. The Transportation Security Administration advises against travelling to closed airports, and capacity for rerouted trips is limited.

Confirm flights via airline apps or websites to avoid being stranded, and monitor weather forecasts with two months remaining in hurricane season.

Travellers in the region have been advised to shelter in place until authorities declare it safe to leave. “If you’re travelling out of Florida, please do not head to the airport unless that airport is open and it’s safe to drive there,” the US Transportation Security Administration warned on X (formerly Twitter). “Always check with your airline(s) to verify flight status.”

Contact your airline

Airlines generally rebook passengers automatically, but this process could take longer than usual due to the impact of the hurricane. Travellers may need to be proactive and explore creative solutions. Although passengers at the airport often head to in-person help desks, these areas can have long queues during widespread disruptions. Travel experts recommend calling your airline or using an international help-desk number to reach an agent faster.

Another strategy is to contact the airline via social media, particularly on platforms like X. Many airlines have customer service staff dedicated to rebooking passengers who reach out through social media. Additionally, airline apps may have more up-to-date information than what is displayed at airport terminals.

Can I be rebooked on another airline?

While it is possible to ask, airlines are not required to book passengers on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, particularly the major ones (with the exception of Southwest), may transfer passengers to partner airlines, but this is not guaranteed. It’s a good idea to research alternative flights while you wait to speak with an agent and check nearby airports for other available routes.

Am I entitled to a refund?

If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund in the original form of payment, even if your ticket was non-refundable. While a refund may work for travellers who no longer wish to take the trip, others may need to find alternative transport, which could be more expensive than the refunded amount.

Are there any other compensation options?

The US law doesn’t require airlines to compensate stranded passengers for hotel and meal costs due to cancelled flights, but the Joe Biden administration seeks changes. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes airlines’ responsibility during severe disruptions.

The Transportation Department’s dashboard tracks airline compensation policies, as demonstrated by last year’s $140 million Southwest Airlines settlement. Amid ongoing travel disruptions from Hurricane Milton, passengers should stay informed and rebook promptly to minimize losses.

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