Hurricane Milton, now classified as a Category 4 storm, is closing in on Florida just two weeks after Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation. As a result, travel chaos is mounting, with nearly 700 U.S. flights already canceled on Tuesday and over 1,500 more grounded for Wednesday, according to data from FlightAware. Travelers planning to fly to or from Florida are facing significant disruptions as the storm approaches.
Major airlines such as American, Delta, Southwest, and United are offering some relief by issuing waivers. These waivers allow passengers to change their tickets for free, even for those who purchased basic economy fares. Of course, this depends on the airport and flight schedules, so travelers are encouraged to check their airline’s website for the latest advisories and updates.
While passengers whose flights are canceled are entitled to refunds under the Department of Transportation’s rules, don’t expect compensation for weather-related delays. The airlines are off the hook for disruptions caused by forces beyond their control, which unfortunately includes hurricanes. The best passengers can hope for is a hassle-free rebooking or refund if their flights don’t take off.
Several Florida airports are already preparing for the worst. Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport are suspending operations starting Tuesday, while Orlando International Airport will be winding down on Wednesday morning. Travelers should be prepared for significant disruptions across the state as Hurricane Milton makes its presence felt.
For those facing canceled flights, the Department of Transportation does provide some protections. Airlines must offer refunds for canceled flights regardless of the cause, though passengers may receive additional compensation if the reason for the cancellation is within the airline’s control. When airlines like Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, or United cancel flights for reasons they could have avoided, they’re required to rebook passengers at no extra cost, provide meals or meal vouchers for delays lasting over three hours, and offer complimentary hotel accommodations along with transportation for overnight cancellations. However, don’t expect the same from budget airlines like Allegiant, Southwest, or Spirit, which won’t rebook passengers on partner airlines. Frontier, predictably, offers even fewer perks, leaving customers on their own for rebooking, hotel stays, and transportation.
