American Airlines has recently published a press release informing travelers about new travel alerts related to Hurricane Ian. The airline has announced that this tropical storm is expected to impact airports in the Caribbean and land in the United States, in Florida, on September 28th and 29th.
The carrier issued travel alerts for 20 airports in Florida and Western Caribbean and considered that passengers’ travel plans and the company’s flight schedules might be affected.
For customers with travel plans currently affected by the hurricane, American Airlines will allow them to rebook without charging change fees. And, if flights are canceled or “excessively delayed”, passengers can request a refund.
The airline also shared information about evacuation assistance. For those interested in flights to evacuate the cities that will be impacted by Hurricane Ian, American Airlines is offering last-minute reduced fares for cities at risk and is also waiving fees for up to two checked bags and carry-on pets from airports considered in the travel alert.
Top destinations for US travelers are being affected by Hurricane Fiona and now Hurricane Ian. Those with fall travel plans to areas at risk must stay aware, reschedule travel plans, and stay up to date with news and developments.
Airports Considered In the Travel Alert
American Airlines has updated its travel alerts page and created a new section for Hurricane Ian affecting destinations in Florida and the Caribbean. These are the airports mentioned:
- Daytona Beach, Florida (DAB)
- Destin / Fort Walton Beach, Florida (VPS)
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL)
- Fort Myers, Florida (RSW)
- Gainesville, Florida (GNV)
- Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM)
- Havana, Cuba (HAV)
- Jacksonville, Florida (JAX)
- Key West, Florida (EYW)
- Kingston, Jamaica (KIN)
- Melbourne, Florida (MLB)
- Miami, Florida (MIA)
- Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)
- Orlando, Florida (MCO)
- Panama City, Florida (ECP)
- Pensacola, Florida (PNS)
- Sarasota / Bradenton, Florida (SRQ)
- Tallahassee, Florida (TLH)
- Tampa, Florida (TPA)
- West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI)
The airline stated: “We understand you may have questions about your upcoming travel. We’re working around the clock to care for you on your travel journey.” American Airlines also shared details about change fee waving considerations and help.
How To Reschedule Travel
Travelers interested in changing their travel plans due to Hurricane Ian can reschedule directly from American Airlines’ official website by contacting Reservations at 800-433-7300 in the United States or Canada or the travel agency for those who booked through an agent.
The carrier has reminded travelers that in order to be exempt from paying change fees, there are a few considerations. The airline is waiving change fees only for:
- American Airlines flights, in any fare class.
- Flights purchased before September 23.
- Scheduled to travel between September 23 and October 1, 2022.
If their trip is eligible, travelers will see a ‘change trip’ message in the toolbar. When changing flights on the website, to get the fee waiver, customers must:
- Rebook in the same fare class or pay the difference in case of an upgrade.
- Avoid dates between today and October 8, 2022.
- Maintain their destination or origin city.
- Make changes by October 1.
- Take the flight within 1 year of the original tickets. Depending on the date, fare differences may apply.
- It’s a one-time change only.
If customers can’t do it through the website, American Airlines also shared their customer service international numbers:
- English: 800-433-7300. Available 24 hours.
- Spanish: 800-633-3711. Available 24 hours.
More worldwide phone numbers are available on the Reservations and Ticket changes page.
American Airlines has also assured travelers that they will continue to monitor the track of Hurricane Ian and their internal system with customers’ and team members’ safety as the main priority.
Hurricane Ian made landfall in western Cuba this Tuesday morning as Category 3 and is headed to Florida as a dangerous Category 4. Authorities in Florida have already issued a mandatory evacuation order for people in Tampa, and residents have been advised to act fast while remaining calm.
