Hurricane Helene Impact on Travel Disruptions

Hurricane season has kicked off this week with Hurricane Helene brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, having already impacted travel within the Caribbean this weekend and at the start of the week. Scientists predict Hurricane Helene will grow stronger before hitting the south east of the US in the coming days. High winds, raining and flooding are expected and many areas of Florida have already initiated evacuations for safety. 

As of today, more than 5 million airline seats are still scheduled to depart from airports in the line of Hurricane Helene in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. These departing seats, as well as millions more around the US, are likely to be impacted by the inclement weather quickly approaching the US coast. 

Though Helene is likely to impact the south east of the US with heavy rain and wind, travel disruptions won’t be limited to Florida, Georgia and South Carolina this week. Domino effect delays and cancellations will likely be felt across the US as planes are grounded temporarily and airlines catch up once airspace is safe. 

Airports with Current Advisories 

How to prepare in advance for disruptions

If you are a traveler expecting to fly to, from or through any of these potentially affected airports, now is the time to plan ahead for disruption. 

• Change your plans: Many airlines have already announced travel waivers, allowing customers to reschedule their flights without any change fees in order to avoid the incoming weather. Consider rebooking flights for later dates, or shifting travel to the end of the weekend when weather conditions are likely to improve. 

• Know what options you have available: Know what other flights are headed to your destination the same day or following day in case you’re disrupted and need to get on another flight. 

• Be Prepared at the Airport

  • Download the airline’s app and sign up for app or text notifications so you have real time information about your flight status. 

  • Check your flight status before leaving for the airport, especially as delays and cancellations are likely to be announced as the weather changes. 

  • Bring a phone charger, necessary medications, and refreshments in your carry-on luggage in case you end up delayed or stuck at the airport for longer than expected.

• Prepare when making future bookings: When booking trips this fall, keep in mind that hurricane season runs all the way through November. Adding a Disruption Assistance service to your booking can help you get rebooked faster in the event your airline faces scheduling challenges following the hurricane.

If you are impacted by Disruptions : 

• Multi-Task: Get in line to speak with a customer service representative at the airport, and hop on the phone at the same time. Airline call centers have hundreds of agents on call to support stranded passengers, and can sometimes help resolve your itinerary over the phone before you reach an agent in person.  

• Consider alternate travel options: As delays and cancellations pile up this week it will be more challenging for travelers to be rebooked on next available flights to their destinations in a timely manner. If you’re flying out of a metropolitan area, consider looking at alternative flights on your airline from different, local airports. For example, Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports are just about 40 minutes apart, with shuttle service available daily. 

• If you’re already at the airport, find a self-serve kiosk at the airport: Some airlines offer self-serve kiosks right in the airport. Scan your boarding pass/enter your trip details and you may be able to rebook yourself on a new flight and print a new boarding pass right from there.

• Make changes online or on the airline’s app: Many carriers allow you to find a new flight and rebook directly on their website or in the app.