Airlines Issue FL Travel Alerts Ahead Of Tropical Storm Helene

TAMPA, FL — Multiple major airlines have issued travel alerts and advisories ahead of Tropical Storm Helene, which is expected to gain strength in the coming days before its expected landfall on the state’s northern Gulf Coast.

Gov. Ron DeSantis updated a state of emergency Tuesday afternoon to include 61 of Florida’s 67 counties as Helene barrels across the Caribbean Sea. The storm is expected to intensify to near hurricane strength by early Wednesday and could be a major hurricane as it approaches the northern U.S. Gulf Coast on Thursday, the National Hurricane Center said.

Here’s a look at advisories and alerts issued by airlines ahead of the storm:

American Airlines

American Airlines issued a travel alert affecting 23 airports, including 16 in Florida. Both Tampa and Sarasota/Bradenton airports were on the list. Anyone who purchased a ticket before Sept. 23 to travel to or from the affected airports between Sept. 24-27 can change travel plans free of charge through Sept. 27.

Breeze Airways

A travel alert was issued by Breeze Airways affecting four Florida airports including Tampa and Sarasota. Anyone scheduled to fly to or from the affected airports between Sept. 25-27 can switch to any available flight within 14 days of the original without additional charges.

Delta Airlines

A travel alert from Delta Airlines affects 10 Florida airports, including Tampa, Sarasota/Bradenton and Orlando. Anyone scheduled to fly through the affected airports between Sept. 25-27 can rebook without a fee through Oct. 4.

Frontier Airlines

Ahead of Helene’s landfall, Frontier Airlines issued an alert affecting six Florida airports including Tampa, Sarasota and Pensacola. Anyone who purchased a ticket before Sept. 24 for flights scheduled between Sept. 26-27 can rebook free of charge.

JetBlue Airlines

In anticipation of severe weather, JetBlue will waive change fees and fare differences for customers traveling between Sept. 26-27 to and from six Florida airports including Tampa and Sarasota. Customers can rebook their flights through Oct. 2.

Southwest Airlines

A travel advisory from Southwest Airlines includes eight Florida airports. Anyone who is scheduled to travel to or from the affected airports between Sept. 24-27 may rebook their flights at no charge within two weeks of their original travel date.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines issued an advisory affecting four Florida airports including Tampa. Anyone scheduled to travel to or from the affected airports between Sept. 25-27 may rebook free of charge through Oct. 2.

United Airlines

United Airlines issued a travel alert affecting eight Florida airports including the Sarasota/Bradenton and Tampa airports. According to the alert, passengers who purchased a ticket before Sept. 23 for a flight traveling on Sept. 24-27 can rebook without a change fee through Oct. 4.

As of Wednesday morning, Allegiant Air had not issued any travel alerts.