Southwest Airlines' new assigned seating model — complete with its first-ever extra-legroom seats — is set for takeoff in early 2026.
25.09.2024 - 17:05 / travelandleisure.com
Hurricane Helene is forecasted to bring heavy rain, storm surge, and travel disruptions throughout the southeast, with winds potentially reaching 129 mph, The Weather Channel shared with Travel + Leisure.
In anticipation of the oncoming storm, airlines have begun issuing travel waivers to accommodate passengers who may be impacted. This helps travelers rearrange their travel plans before a storm cancels a flight.
For example, Delta Air Lines has issued a waiver for travel between September 25 and September 27 to or from Cancun, Tampa, Orlando, and a dozen more cities.
Travelers going through these airports can rebook their ticket without a change fee or fare difference.
United Airlines has a travel waiver in place for flights from September 24 through September 27 for the same cities, and travelers can also rebook without paying change fees or fare differences.
Discount carriers such as Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit all have travel advisories in effect as well, providing added flexibility for passengers.
«Helene will severely impact travel Thursday and Friday, then of course there's the domino effect and catch up in the days after,» The Weather Channel Meteorologist Stephanie Abrams shared in a statement to T+L.
Abrams says the forecast for the system tracks towards Atlanta, which is home to the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The system may disrupt connections and cause added turbulence due to the strong winds.
While the storm will snarl air travel, road warriors and commuters should also take caution as flooding and standing water is forecasted to make road conditions difficult.
“Travelers should remember to never drive through flood waters and follow the advice of the National Weather Service (NWS) and Turn Around, Don't Drown," Abrams added.
The severity of the storm was echoed on social media by the NWS who encouraged people in the path of the storm to immediately prepare or evacuate if required by their local government by early Thursday.
“Helene is expected to rapidly intensify and grow in size over the eastern Gulf of Mexico,” the National Weather Service shared in a post on Facebook.
Southwest Airlines' new assigned seating model — complete with its first-ever extra-legroom seats — is set for takeoff in early 2026.
Flight cancellations and closures continue to pile up Thursday as Hurricane Helene barrels toward Florida.
Much of the Southeast has been under a hurricane warning Wednesday as Florida and Georgia brace for Hurricane Helene. It's expected to make landfall as a Category 4 storm late Thursday near the Big Bend of Florida.
Qatar has been added to the United States Visa Waiver Program, meaning citizens of both countries can visit the other visa-free. The small Arab state is the first country to be added this year and the only country in the Gulf region on the list.
Southwest Airlines is making major changes to its network.
Southwest Airlines said Wednesday that it would reduce service and staff in Atlanta due to a lack of demand.
To encourage travelers to Japan to get off the beaten path, delve deeper into the country’s cultural heritage, and venture beyond the popular tourist destinations, Japan Airlines is offering complimentary domestic flights all across the archipelago.
Florida has declared a state of emergency for 41 of the state's 67 counties ahead of Hurricane Helene potentially making landfall as it heads west through the Caribbean.
Delta Air Lines and Scandinavian Airlines have launched a close partnership to expand flights to Northern Europe, just weeks after the European carrier joined the SkyTeam alliance.
Update: September 24, 2024, at 8:05 a.m. ET
Fall is officially here and October provides travelers an excellent combination of ideal weather and great rates ahead of the busy holiday travel period.
Spirit Airlines is embracing fall with a great sale that has one-way flights starting as low as $40.