As the Southeast U.S. continues to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, air travelers looking to change their plans without incurring costs may face obstacles due to limited rights and compensation in the industry. Airlines generally owe prompt refunds to passengers if they cancel or significantly change a flight, regardless of the reason, but weather-related events like hurricanes are considered outside of an airline’s control, limiting passengers’ rights to compensation. The specific concessions and policies vary by carrier and geography, with some airlines, such as American, Delta, and United, offering waivers for change fees and fare differences for flights impacted by flooding in areas like Asheville, North Carolina, and Valdosta, Georgia.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel in the western part of the state due to hundreds of road closures from downed trees, landslides, and “catastrophic damage.” Amid the destruction caused by the hurricane, travelers hoping to change flights for free or cancel their plans for a refund may find airlines reluctant to provide financial flexibility. Passengers with non-refundable tickets may feel particularly disadvantaged as airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for weather-related events like Hurricane Helene. The duty of airlines in these cases often depends on a passenger’s specific fare class, such as economy or business.
Travel insurance is not always a fail-safe option for consumers who are unable to get reimbursed from the travel provider for flight, hotel, or other expenses. Policies typically only cover specific, pre-defined reasons for cancellations or changes, and those purchased after Hurricane Helene became a named storm may not cover claims related to it. It is essential to carefully read the fine print of insurance policies to understand what is covered and to avoid surprises in the event of a claim. Consumers who paid for their trip with a credit card may have certain travel reimbursement benefits from their issuer, which could provide assistance in situations of severe weather events.
Some airlines are making concessions related to Hurricane Helene, but the exact policies vary. Major carriers like American, Delta, and United have dedicated webpages for travel alerts outlining their policies around specific events, with waivers for change fees and fare differences in certain circumstances. For example, United is providing flexibility for passengers affected by flooding in specific areas if they meet certain criteria, while American Airlines and Delta are also offering leeway for travelers scheduled to fly through affected locations during certain time frames. These policies often have specific terms and timelines for rebooking flights or obtaining refunds, so passengers should review them carefully before making changes to their travel plans.
In conclusion, as the Southeast U.S. recovers from Hurricane Helene, air travelers facing disruptions to their plans may encounter challenges in changing flights or getting refunds due to limited rights and compensation in the industry. Passengers should be aware of the specific policies and concessions offered by airlines in response to the hurricane, as well as the limitations of travel insurance coverage and potential benefits from credit card issuers. While some carriers are providing flexibility for travelers impacted by the storm, it is essential for consumers to review the terms and conditions of these policies to make informed decisions about adjusting their travel arrangements.
