Navigating Air Travel Amid Hurricane Helene: Essential Information for Passengers

Hurricane Helene has caused major travel disruptions in the Southeast U.S., leaving air travelers facing limited options to modify or cancel flights without incurring fees. While airlines must refund passengers for canceled flights, weather-related events restrict compensation rights. Some airlines are offering concessions, but passengers should be aware of their specific fare conditions and review travel insurance for additional coverage.

As the Southeast United States grapples with the repercussions of Hurricane Helene, travelers whose plans are disrupted may face challenges in altering their travel arrangements without incurring costs. Experts emphasize the limited rights of passengers regarding compensation in the event of significant disruptions. Eric Napoli, the Chief Legal Officer at AirHelp, highlights that in the realm of U.S. air travel, passengers often have scant rights to financial reimbursement during such crises. Hurricane Helene struck Florida as a formidable Category 4 storm, causing extensive destruction across multiple states, including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. The unfortunate toll of the storm resulted in over 120 fatalities and left millions without electricity or access to basic necessities such as drinking water. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has advised the public to abstain from non-essential travel in affected areas due to numerous road closures caused by landslides and downed trees. In these challenging circumstances, travelers seeking to modify their flight itineraries or to cancel their trips altogether may encounter resistance from airlines regarding fee waivers. Airlines are mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide “prompt” refunds to passengers if they cancel or significantly change a flight, regardless of whether the ticket is non-refundable. However, events attributed to weather, such as Hurricane Helene, typically fall beyond the control of airlines, restricting the avenues for compensation available to passengers. The extent of an airline’s obligations to affected customers is contingent upon the fare type purchased. Napoli states that passengers holding regular fares have limited options, stating, “There is nothing [the airlines] will do for you” in instances of cancelled conferences or unrefundable tickets. Despite the systemic limitations imposed by weather-related incidents, some airlines are offering specific concessions in light of Hurricane Helene. The policies vary among different carriers and locations. For instance, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines have provided information regarding their policies related to the storms. United Airlines has announced that it will waive change fees and fare differences for customers whose flights have been disrupted due to flooding, provided certain conditions are met. American Airlines has similarly extended leniency to travelers scheduled to fly through Augusta, Georgia, within specific dates, while Delta Airlines has made provisions for passengers flying out of Asheville or Valdosta. It is advisable for travelers to carefully review their insurance policies to ascertain coverage in the event of cancellations or disruptions. Traditional travel insurance may not effectively protect consumers against losses unless a policy with “cancel-for-any-reason” stipulations was acquired. As Napoli advises, “Make sure you read the fine print and what the insurance is actually covering.” Additionally, travelers who purchased their trips through credit cards might be eligible for reimbursement benefits through their card issuer, particularly in response to severe weather conditions.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, air travel has been significantly impacted across the Southeast United States. The rights of air passengers, especially regarding flight cancellations and changes due to such storms, are often misunderstood. Travelers frequently seek clarification on their entitlements and the measures airlines are obliged to take during considerable disruptions. Understanding this framework is vital for consumers navigating travel plans in the aftermath of natural disasters.

In summary, travelers affected by Hurricane Helene should be aware that while airlines are required to provide refunds for flight cancellations and significant changes, weather-related disruptions limit the financial remedies available to passengers. It is essential for travelers to familiarize themselves with their airlines’ specific policies and their insurance coverage. As conditions vary widely among carriers, contacting the airline and reviewing flight options sooner rather than later is advisable.

Original Source: www.cnbc.com