Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Travel to Mexico impacted by Hurricane Helene: Airlines provide rebooking options

Major airlines offer Mexico travel waivers

By
Ruins of Tulum, Mexico and a palm tree overlooking the Caribbean Sea in the Riviera Maya
jkraft5 / Adobe Stock

As Hurricane Helene intensifies and moves north toward the Florida Panhandle, its impacts are being felt far beyond the U.S. coastline. Travelers heading to or returning from Mexico may face significant disruptions in their plans due to the storm’s growing strength. The hurricane, with its most dangerous and life-threatening conditions concentrated near the eye, is expected to make landfall on Thursday evening.

While the Department of Transportation mandates that airlines offer full refunds for flights canceled or significantly delayed for reasons within the airline’s control, weather-related cancellations, such as those caused by Hurricane Helene, are not covered by this regulation.

Recommended Videos

Nevertheless, in response to the storm’s severity, many major airlines are offering waivers to impacted travelers, allowing them to reschedule their flights without penalty as long as they do so within a specified window.

Related

Which airlines have issued travel waivers?

United Airlines airplane flying
David Syphers / Unsplash

These are the airlines that have issued Mexico travel waivers.

  • Alaska Airlines: Travelers with flights to or from Cancun (CUN) between September 25 and September 27 can rebook or cancel their flights for free. The new departure date must be no later than September 30.
  • American Airlines: Travelers with flights to or from Cancun (CUN) and Cozumel (CZM) between September 24 and September 27 can rebook their flights for free. The new departure date must be no later than October 4 and travel must be rebooked by September 27.
  • Delta Air Lines: Travelers with flights to or from Cancun (CUN) and Tulum (TQO) between September 25 and September 27 can rebook their flights for free. The new departure date must be no later than October 4.
  • United Airlines: Travelers with flights to or from Cancun (CUN), Cozumel (CZM), and Tulum (TQO) between September 24 and September 27 can rebook their flights for free. The new departure date must be no later than October 4.

All of these airlines, as well as Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, are also offering rebooking options for flights within the United States that are impacted by Helene. 

Passengers with plans to fly to Mexico in the coming days are encouraged to check with their airline for the latest updates on flight changes, as delays and cancellations are likely as the storm’s path continues to develop.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Amanda Teague
Amanda Teague
Contributor
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer with over five years of experience, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and…
8 over-the-top luxury travel experiences you won’t believe are real
Have you ever wanted to stay on your own private island?
QC NY Spa

If you’re searching for something that goes far beyond the usual bed and breakfast and are ready to indulge in life’s most opulent offerings, the world is brimming with luxury travel experiences that you’ll never forget. Imagine dining inside an active volcano, lounging on your own private island, or trekking with gorillas through the jungle. While these experiences may sound unattainable, they are actually within reach for those who are willing to splurge a bit.

Let’s dive into the créme de la créme of luxury travel experiences, exploring the most exclusive, over-the-top adventures that redefine indulgence.
Brazil: Enjoy private access to Iguazu National Park

Read more
U.K.’s new travel rule: Apply for your electronic travel pass before your trip
You'll need an ETA to enter the UK starting January 8, 2025.
Brighton England

We announced earlier this year that traveling to London will soon cost you more, and that time has come. The UK government has officially opened applications for its new electronic travel authorization (ETA), which will be required for all U.S. citizens entering the UK starting January 8, 2025. 

The ETA allows visitors to stay in the UK for up to six months and must be secured before your trip. Without it, you may be denied entry at the border. Exceptions apply if you hold a visa, have permission to live, work, or study in the UK, or are a British or Irish citizen.

Read more
United Airlines will offer this savory treat at 35,000 feet
United Airlines aircraft

United Airlines passengers with a sweet tooth have plenty to look forward to, with the airline offering Magnolia Bakery’s Banana Pudding on select flights. It’ll be the first time the bakery’s treats are served in the sky, owing to its new frozen-to-thaw recipe. The pudding will be available on First Class flights of 901 miles or more. 
Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding makes every flight sweeter

First Class passengers will enjoy 3-ounce servings of Banana Pudding Wafer Cookie Bits, a frozen whipped pudding with wafer cookie bits and real bananas. The recipe draws from Magnolia Bakery’s World-Famous Banana Pudding. 

Read more