As the Southeast U.S. deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, travelers looking to make changes to their air travel plans may find themselves out of luck when it comes to receiving compensation. Air passengers have limited rights in the event of significant disruptions, according to Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has warned against unnecessary travel in the western part of the state due to extensive road closures and “catastrophic damage” caused by the hurricane.
In the face of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, travelers hoping to change flights for free or cancel their plans for a refund may find airlines reluctant to grant financial flexibility. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines generally owe prompt refunds to passengers if they cancel or significantly change a flight, regardless of the reason. However, weather-related events like hurricanes are often considered outside of an airline’s control, limiting passengers’ rights to compensation. The level of assistance provided by airlines typically depends on the passenger’s specific fare class.
While airlines may not be legally required to provide compensation in the event of weather-related disruptions, some carriers are making concessions related to Hurricane Helene. Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines have implemented policies to help affected passengers. For example, United is waiving change fees and fare differences for passengers impacted by flooding in specific areas, as long as certain conditions are met. American Airlines and Delta have also introduced similar policies for passengers traveling through affected regions.
Travel insurance may not always provide a failsafe solution for consumers who are unable to get reimbursed from their travel provider for flight, hotel, or other travel expenses due to a natural disaster like Hurricane Helene. Without a cancel-for-any-reason policy, coverage is typically limited to specific, covered reasons. Additionally, policies purchased after a storm has been named may not cover claims related to it. Consumers who used a credit card to purchase their trip may be entitled to certain travel reimbursement benefits from the card issuer, even in the event of severe weather. However, credit card companies often require a quick turnaround on claims, usually within 21 days.
In times of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, it’s important for travelers to understand their rights and options when it comes to changing or canceling their travel plans. While airlines are not obligated to provide compensation for weather-related disruptions, some carriers are offering concessions to affected passengers. Travel insurance may provide coverage in certain situations, but consumers should carefully review their policy to ensure they understand what is covered. Using a credit card to purchase travel may also offer some protection in the event of trip cancellations due to severe weather, but consumers should be prepared to file a claim within a specified timeframe.
