Airlines Respond to Hurricane Helene with Cancellations and Rebooking Options

Airlines Cancel Flights as Hurricane Helene Approaches

As Hurricane Helene heads towards the U.S., airlines are canceling flights and offering rebooking options.

Over 450 flights within the U.S. are already canceled for Thursday. Major cancellations include nearly all operations in Tallahassee, over half in Tampa, and a third in Fort Myers, according to FlightAware.

The National Hurricane Center warns of severe hurricane-force winds impacting northern Florida and southern Georgia as Helene moves inland.

When flights are canceled, customers are entitled to a refund, but many airlines are offering flexible rebooking policies in light of the storm.

Rebooking Policies by Major Airlines

Alaska Airlines

Travelers at select Florida and Cancun airports can rebook or cancel free of charge from Sept. 25 to Sept. 27, with travel to be completed by Sept. 30.

American Airlines

American offers no-fee rebooking for flights scheduled until Sept. 27 across multiple Southeastern U.S. airports and destinations in Mexico and Cuba, with travel rebooked by deadlines for various route categories.

Breeze Airways

Breeze passengers can change or cancel flights for credit for travel through certain Florida and New Orleans airports from Sept. 25 to Sept. 27.

Delta Airlines

Delta allows free rebooking for flights to/from specific airports until Sept. 27, with guidelines to avoid fare differences and options for cancellations.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier provides free rebooking for flights scheduled through Sept. 27, although fare differences may apply.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue allows free changes or refunds for flights from Sept. 26 to Sept. 27.

Southwest Airlines

Passengers can rebook or fly standby at no cost for flights scheduled until Sept. 27.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit allows rebooking without penalty until Oct. 2, with fare differences applicable for travel after that.

United Airlines

United offers free rebooking for flights scheduled through Sept. 27, with waived fees for travel completed by Oct. 4.

Travelers on other airlines, such as Allegiant, should verify policies directly with their carriers.

Contributing: Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY