**Travelers Face Limited Options for Refunds or Changes Amid Hurricane Helene’s Destruction**
As the Southeast US recovers from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, travelers attempting to alter their air travel plans to or from affected areas may find themselves with limited financial flexibility. According to experts, air passengers have minimal rights when it comes to compensation in the event of significant disruptions.
Hurricane Helene’s Category 4 storm left a trail of destruction across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, resulting in over 120 fatalities, widespread power outages, and stranded individuals without basic necessities. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has urged people to avoid non-essential travel in the western part of the state due to extensive road closures.
While airlines are generally obligated to provide prompt refunds to passengers if they cancel or make significant changes to a flight, weather-related events like Hurricane Helene are typically considered outside an airline’s control, leaving passengers with limited rights to compensation. The airline’s duty in such cases depends on the passenger’s specific fare, such as economy or business class.
Some airlines have made concessions tied to Hurricane Helene, but these vary by carrier and geography. For instance, United Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences for affected passengers who reschedule their flights, while American Airlines is offering leeway to passengers scheduled to travel through Augusta, Georgia.
Travel insurance may not always provide a safety net for consumers seeking reimbursement for flight, hotel, or other travel expenses. Policies typically require specific, covered reasons for cancellations, and those purchased after Helene became a named storm won’t cover claims related to the hurricane.
Consumers who used a credit card to purchase their trip may be eligible for travel reimbursement benefits from their card issuer, even in cases of severe weather. However, credit-card companies often require a quick turnaround on claims, typically within 21 days.
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