A nor’easter that brought wind and high surf to the mid-Atlantic is expected to pummel New England, and airlines are offering flexibility to travelers who could be impacted.
“The storm and its effects are occurring through the full moon this weekend, which will raise tide levels and lead to major coastal flooding,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said in an online forecast. “Long-duration pounding surf will cause extensive beach erosion from North Carolina to southern Maine. Dangerous rip currents will extend southward to Florida's Atlantic coast.”
U.S. flight cancellations remained low as of around 1:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 25, with just 185 scrapped, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. However, airlines have issued waivers
allowing travelers to change their flights without penalties. Here’s what to know.
Which airlines are offering waivers?
The following carriers have waivers in place for weather along the East Coast:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
Some airlines also have separate waivers in place for Hurricane Nolo, which is expected to bring heavy rain to Hawaii, along with possible severe flash flooding and mudslides.
What am I owed if my flight is delayed or canceled?
If a flight is canceled for any reason, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to offer travelers refunds if they choose not to fly.
Airlines are not required, however, to offer any compensation for delays for reasons outside their control, like weather, though some may choose to do so.
All U.S. airlines offer some sort of compensation for significant delays within their control. Travelers can find details on each airline’s website and at a glance on the DOT’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard.
Cruise ships alter itineraries
Multiple cruise ships have altered course because of the storm, too.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jewel arrived in Boston an hour earlier than planned on Sept. 24, and departed three hours ahead of schedule, the company told USA TODAY. The ship began its Canada and New England cruise on Sept. 16 in Quebec City, according to CruiseMapper.
Norwegian Escape's Sept. 24 stop in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was also cut four hours short so it could return to New York a day early. The ship left from New York on Sept. 19.
"The safety and security of our guests, crew and the communities we visit are always a top priority," Norwegian said in an emailed statement. "As such, we monitor adverse weather conditions and adjust itineraries as needed to deliver both a safe and enjoyable experience for all who sail with us."
This story has been updated to add new information and refresh headlines.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These airlines are issuing waivers amid nor'easter
