Travel effects of Hurricane Helene: Flight cancellations as the storm wreaks havoc

Hurricane Helene battered much of the Southeast from late Thursday into Friday, making landfall as a Category 4 storm in northwestern Florida shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday.

The storm rapidly progressed northward, leaving widespread devastation, with flooding affecting large areas of Florida's Gulf Coast, North Carolina, and Georgia. By early Friday afternoon, at least 22 fatalities were reported.

With extensive impacts and damages throughout the Southeast, travel companies have implemented changes due to safety concerns and destruction. Here’s what you should know.

Which airlines and airports are impacted?

The effects on flights were less drastic than expected, as the storm's landfall timing and northerly path helped avoid peak takeoff and landing periods. As of 1:45 p.m. Friday, approximately 941 flights to, from, and within the U.S. had been canceled, according to FlightAware.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) closed on Thursday due to the storm's advance but reopened on Friday, reporting no major damage. Other airports that closed Thursday, like St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), where Allegiant Air operates, also resumed operations on Friday. About one-third of TPA's departing flights were canceled, along with around 10% of incoming flights.

Despite being directly in the storm's path, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) experienced minimal disruptions due to the storm's timing. By 1:45 p.m. Friday, nearly 80 flights had been canceled at ATL, accounting for 6% of scheduled departures, while another 92 inbound flights, or 7%, were also canceled.

However, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) faced more significant impacts than anticipated, as Hurricane Helene's strong eastern edge moved through the area. By Friday afternoon, about 190 departing flights — 21% — and 205 inbound flights — 23% — had been canceled, with several hundred others experiencing delays.

Delta has implemented a travel waiver for passengers flying to, from, or through ATL on Friday, Sept. 27; this waiver allows them to rebook their travel for Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 without incurring additional fare differences. The new flight must be booked and taken by Oct. 1.

The airline has also issued a wider waiver for travel to or from numerous airports along the storm's predicted path, including locations in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Mexico, and Cuba. This waiver is applicable to travelers flying between Sept. 25 and 27, with rebooking required for travel by Oct. 4.

In anticipation of the storm, other airlines have announced similar waivers. American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue, along with Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Allegiant, all provided various waivers for travel scheduled from Wednesday to Friday.

Even after the storm passes, if you have flights booked in the coming days, be sure to review your reservation and check in with your airline to understand your options.

Will cruise line operations be affected?

Port Tampa Bay, Port Canaveral, and Jacksonville cruise ports are currently shut down. Furthermore, several cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Margaritaville at Sea, and Carnival Cruise Line — have modified their itineraries due to the hurricane. Departures from PortMiami and Port Canaveral are postponed. Additionally, ships already at sea returning to Tampa and Jacksonville will arrive later than originally planned.

Cruisers intending to set sail from these two ports in the coming days should contact their cruise line for updates regarding Hurricane Helene's possible effects on their itinerary.

Will there be any effects on theme parks?

Some parks in the Orlando and Tampa regions — such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Universal's Volcano Bay water park — have opted to close on Thursday.

At Disney World, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and its miniature golf courses will be closed on Thursday. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has also been canceled for Thursday evening, with Magic Kingdom's hours extended from 6 to 8 p.m. for regular guests. Refunds are being issued for Disney Halloween Party tickets.

At Universal Orlando, the Halloween Horror Nights event scheduled for Thursday night has been canceled. Ticket holders for that night can use their tickets for a different evening until Sunday, Sept. 29.

Legoland Florida Resort and SeaWorld Orlando are operating as usual at this time.

Is it safe to travel to Florida and Georgia?

If you have plans to visit Florida or Georgia soon, keep an eye on developments in your area. It may be wise to adjust your travel plans.

Airlines have issued travel alerts providing free changes and increased flexibility, so if you have flights booked for Thursday or Friday, consider rebooking for a later date or canceling entirely. Florida has declared a state of emergency for 41 of its 67 counties, and Georgia has also declared a state of emergency in certain areas.

Tropical storm warnings are currently issued for much of Atlanta. If the storm has a significant impact there, it could disrupt flights nationwide, as ATL is a major hub.

In summary

If you have upcoming travel plans, be particularly mindful of airport delays and cancellations, as a major hurricane can affect travel throughout the country. If you intend to travel to Georgia or Florida, it may be wise to postpone or cancel your trip altogether. For destinations that might be impacted, consider making alternative arrangements now.

Airlines have implemented more flexible change and cancellation policies. If you booked your trip with a credit card that offers built-in trip insurance, review the terms of those benefits to see what expenses you might be able to recover for any nonrefundable fees.

It should go without saying, but do not travel to any hurricane-affected areas where officials have advised people to avoid the roads.

We will keep you updated on this developing situation as the storm unfolds.

For additional useful tips on traveling during hurricane season, check out:

• Avoid these common travel mistakes during hurricane season
• Hurricane season is upon us: TPG's traveler storm guide
• Cruising during hurricane season: What you should know — and should you proceed?
• Should you consider travel insurance if your credit card offers coverage?
• Is travel insurance really worth it?
• Flight canceled or delayed? Here's your next course of action