Airlines are issuing travel alerts as Helene approaches. What to know about your flight rights

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As we prepare for the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene on the First Coast, it’s important to know your flight rights.

Airlines are already starting to issue travel alerts. If you have travel plans, checking with your airline before flying is important.

American, United, Delta, and Southwest Airlines have all issued travel alerts for flights coming in and out of the Jacksonville International Airport (JIA).

That means you should be able to change your flight free of charge regardless of your booking status. However, you are entitled to a refund if your flight is canceled, and you choose not to fly.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg spoke with News4JAX Tuesday and encouraged flyers to visit FlightRights.gov with any questions about consumer protections.

“So in this scenario, the most important thing to know is that if your flight is canceled for any reason, you should be getting an automatic refund. You shouldn’t even have to ask and if you’re having trouble getting that from your airline, we want to know about it,” Secretary Buttigieg said.

American Airlines

American Airlines issued a travel alert Tuesday morning which included 16 Florida airports. Jacksonville International Airport is one of those impacted. Regardless of your booking class, you can change your flight for free if you bought your ticket before Sept. 23. Changes must be booked by Sept. 27 and completed within one year of the original ticket date.

United Airlines

United Airlines also issued a travel Alert Tuesday which includes flights into and out of JIA with the original travel date scheduled between Sept. 24-27.

You can reschedule your trip and change fees and fare differences will be waived. But, your new flight must be a United flight departing between Sept. 22, 2024 and Oct. 4, 2024.

Delta Airlines

Nine Florida airports were included in Delta Airlines Travel Advisory. Flights originally scheduled to depart or arrive at the JIA between Sept. 25-27 are impacted. If you rebook your flight before Sept. 30, no change fees or fare differences will be applied.

Flights rebooked after Sept. 30 are subject to change fees and fare differences.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines’ Travel Advisory also includes JIA and seven other Florida airports. If you’re scheduled to fly between Sept. 24-27 your flight may be canceled or delayed.

Passengers can rebook their flights within 14 days of their original date of travel without paying additional charges.

JetBlue Airlines, Frontier, Spirit, and Breeze Airways have all issued travel alerts as well, but the Jacksonville airport is not included in their advisories.

Allegiant Air has yet to issue a travel alert at the time of publishing.

You can report issues with airlines on FlightRights.gov.