Amid Hurricane Milton’s impact on the U.S., numerous flights were canceled this week, disrupting travel operations across the country. The storm, causing airport closures and flight cancellations, resulted in more than 2,250 U.S. flight cancellations by midday Thursday, following 1,970 cancellations on Wednesday.
Following its path through the southeastern U.S. and Cuba, Hurricane Milton transitioned into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday. Despite the shift, storm-surge warnings remained in effect for Florida’s east-central coast, Georgia, and extending into South Carolina, indicating ongoing travel disruptions in the region.
While airlines cannot influence weather conditions, they are mandated to offer refunds to customers affected by flight cancellations. Additionally, government officials, including President Joe Biden, cautioned against price gouging during the storm-related travel turmoil. Airlines defended their operations, citing fare caps recently implemented to address concerns.
As the region assesses the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, storm-surge warnings persisted on Thursday, underscoring continued risks. Travelers were advised to monitor weather forecasts and their flight statuses as airports in Florida, such as Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport, closed to the public, resulting in significant cancellations. Travelers currently in affected areas were advised to stay indoors until safety is confirmed.
With the potential for future severe storms during the remaining Atlantic hurricane season, vigilance in monitoring weather updates is crucial. While airlines typically handle rebooking automatically, delays in the process post-hurricane recovery may require passengers to take proactive measures. Strategies such as contacting airlines via phone or social media and leveraging airline apps for real-time updates were suggested to manage flight disruptions effectively.
Passengers faced with cancellations are entitled to a full refund in the original payment form, even for non-refundable tickets. While U.S. law does not mandate additional compensation, the Biden-Harris administration has been pushing for enhanced passenger protections. Airlines set their reimbursement policies for issues like accommodations and meals during travel disruptions, with the Department of Transportation actively monitoring carrier responses to such situations.
