Airlines are preparing for what may become the first named storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season.
“Potential Tropical Cyclone One is expected to bring heavy rainfall across the Gulf Coast states during the next couple of days,” according to the National Weather Service’s short-range forecast early Wednesday, June 17.
AccuWeather expects the storm to strengthen into Tropical Storm Arthur and warns that parts of Texas and Louisiana, which have already been socked with rain since Sunday, may experience major flooding.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service warns that a separate, severe weather outbreak is expected Wednesday for “portions of the Mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, particularly across parts of central Illinois and northwestern Indiana.”
Several airlines are offering fee-free travel waivers to customers who may be impacted by either weather event. Times below are accurate as of the time of this story’s publication, but may change as weather conditions change. Customers should check their specific airline for the latest information.
It’s important for travelers to carefully consider the options if their plans allow for flexibility, because if a flight is delayed due to weather — which is considered out of the airline’s control — airlines don’t owe travelers anything for the inconvenience. Refunds are, however, owed for cancellations if customers choose to no longer travel.
American Airlines
American Airlines customers with flights scheduled to, from and through the following airports on June 17 may rebook their flights for travel through June 19. There is no fee for rebooking within the same cabin class. Fare differences may apply for changing classes.
- Champaign / Urbana, Illinois (CMI)
- Chicago, Illinois (ORD)
- Detroit, Michigan (DTW)
- Evansville, Indiana (EVV)
- Flint, Michigan (FNT)
- Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR)
- Indianapolis, Indiana (IND)
- Kalamazoo / Battle Creek, Michigan (AZO)
- Lansing, Michigan (LAN)
- Madison, Wisconsin (MSN)
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MKE)
- South Bend, Indiana (SBN)
Delta Air Lines
Delta customers with flights booked to, from or through the following airports on June 17 and June 18 may rebook flights for travel no later than June 21. Fare differences may apply if changing cabin class.
- Albany, GA (ABY)
- Alexandria, LA (AEX)
- Austin, TX (AUS)
- Baton Rouge, LA (BTR)
- Birmingham, AL (BHM)
- Columbus, GA (CSG)
- Columbus, MS (GTR)
- Destin-Ft Walton Beach, FL (VPS)
- Dothan, AL (DHN)
- Gulfport/Biloxi, MS (GPT)
- Houston-Intercontinental, TX (IAH)
- Houston-Hobby, TX (HOU)
- Jackson, MS (JAN)
- Lafayette, LA (LFT)
- New Orleans, LA (MSY)
- Mobile, AL (MOB)
- Monroe, LA (MLU)
- Montgomery, AL (MGM)
- Panama City, FL (ECP)
- Pensacola, FL (PNS)
- San Antonio, TX (SAT)
- Shreveport, LA (SHV)
- Tallahassee, FL (TLH)
- Valdosta, GA (VLD)
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is offering a travel waiver for customers with flights to, from or through Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) on June 17. Travelers may rebook trips or fly standby between their same origin and destination cities anytime over the next 14 days.
If travelers choose not to rebook their flight and their flight is canceled or significantly delayed, the airline says they may be eligible for a refund if they choose to no longer travel. The Department of Transportation requires all airlines to offer refunds for canceled flights, regardless of the reason for cancellation. Airlines do not have to offer refunds for delays out of their control, but airlines can choose to do so on a case-by-case basis.
United Airlines
United travelers with flights scheduled for the following airports on June 17 may rebook flights for travel through June 20. New bookings must be within the same cabin class as on the original ticket.
- Chicago, IL (ORD)
- Decatur, IL (DEC)
- Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)
- Houston, TX (IAH)
- Indianapolis, IN (IND)
- Kalamazoo, MI (AZO)
- Lafayette, IN (LAF)
- Madison, WI (MSN)
- Milwaukee, WI (MKE)
- Moline, IL (MLI)
- Peoria, IL (PIA)
- South Bend, IN (SBN)
- St. Louis, MO (STL)
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