Storm Prep - Airlines Get Ready For Gustav
You can expect to hear a variation on this theme over the next few days regarding specific destinations throughout the Caribbean and along the Gulf Coast: airlines are waiving penalties and fees for changing flight plans as Hurricane/Tropical Storm Gustav (depending on when you check its progress) barrels into the area.
Representative of the way carriers are responding is Delta Air Lines. It says that if you purchased tickets for the Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, or Jamaica and are scheduled to travel through September 1 that it will let you change reservations on a one-time basis, without having to ante up any more money. The key proviso: you'll have to stick with your original trip origin and destination. Change those parameters, and pay the difference between the original ticket and the new one.
To be eligible for the waiver, you'll have to begin your trip to the Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, or Jamaica on or before September 1.
As Gustav's track becomes clearer, expect airlines to offer similar waivers, with - in all probability - extended travel periods. Just precisely where the storm will head next isn't known. Cities and resorts from the Florida Panhandle to Texas are bracing for what could be a Category 3 Hurricane. Among the potential targets is New Orleans.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler