Major Airlines Adjust Schedules as Tropical Storm Helene Looms

TAMPA, Fla. - As Tropical Storm Helene gains strength and approaches the southeastern United States, major airlines are taking proactive measures by issuing travel alerts and modifying their policies to accommodate affected passengers.

United Airlines

United Airlines has expanded its travel alert to cover eight Florida airports, including Sarasota/Bradenton and Tampa. Passengers who purchased tickets before September 23 for flights scheduled between September 24-27 are eligible to rebook without change fees through October 4.

Delta Air Lines

Delta's travel advisory encompasses 10 Florida airports, as well as select airports in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mexico, and Cuba. Travelers with flights booked through affected airports between September 25-27 have until September 30 to rebook their tickets.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue has issued alerts for four Florida airports and one in Georgia, including Sarasota and Tampa. The airline is waiving change fees, cancellation fees, and fare differences for customers traveling on September 26-27. Affected passengers can rebook for flights departing by October 2.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest's advisory covers eight Florida airports from September 24-27, including Sarasota/Bradenton and Tampa. Additionally, Cancun and Havana international airports are affected for flights on September 24-25. Passengers with reservations through impacted airports can rebook at no charge within two weeks of their original travel date.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier has issued a travel alert specifically for passengers flying in or out of Cancun on September 25-26. As of now, no advisories have been issued for Florida airports.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit's travel advisory affects four Florida airports and one in Cancun, Mexico, for flights from September 25-27. Tampa International Airport is included in this alert. Fare differences will be waived for passengers making changes through October 2.

American Airlines

American Airlines has issued the most extensive travel alert, affecting 23 airports, including 16 in Florida. Both Tampa and Sarasota/Bradenton are impacted. Passengers who purchased tickets before September 23 for travel between September 24-27 can have their change fee waived. Rescheduled flights must occur between September 24 and October 4 and maintain the same travel origin and destination. All changes must be made by September 27.

As of this report, other carriers such as Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways have not issued travel alerts related to Tropical Storm Helene.

Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm's progress, and further updates from airlines are expected as the situation develops. Travelers are advised to check their flight status regularly and contact their airline directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their specific travel plans.

Local and state officials are urging residents in potentially affected areas to stay informed about the storm's path and follow any evacuation orders or safety guidelines issued by emergency management authorities.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.