Hurricane Irene has caused considerable travel disruption across the East Coast of the United States. Flights to and from major US cities including New York, Washington DC, Boston and Philadelphia were affected over the weekend, leading to numerous cancelled flights and long delays for stranded passengers.
Airports have now reopened and the majority of flights, including flights to Boston, are operating as scheduled from today (Tuesday, 30 August). There are however likely to be severe delays for travellers already in the US who were scheduled to return on flights over the weekend, up to and including Monday, 29 August.
Below we offer a travel Q&A on what you can do if affected by the travel disruption.
My flight was delayed over the weekend and I’m stuck in the US. What should I do?
The first thing you should do if you are stranded in the United States is contact your airline. The British Airways number for the US is: 1 800 247 9297 (1 800 AIRWAYS) (7am to 1am local time). The Virgin Atlantic contact number is: 1 800 821 5438. If you booked through an independent travel agent, contact them directly for an update.
Should I go to the airport even though I don’t have a ticket?
No. All scheduled flights operating from today are full and airlines are not taking passengers on stand by, so there is little point in going to the airport. Register with your airline for an update on available flights.
I have a flight booked for Thursday, 1 September, but would like to travel back to the UK sooner. Should I call my airline?
The short answer is no. There is a backlog of passengers to rebook onto flights. Virgin Atlantic states on its website: “We have arranged additional flights however if you have already been rebooked on a flight due to leave in the next three days, i.e. up to and including Thursday, 1 September please do not call us.”
I am stuck in the US. Who will cover my additional hotel and meal costs because of a cancelled/delayed flight?
As a stranded passenger you have a right of care by your airline. You should contact your airline as soon as possible to understand fully what you will and will not be able to claim for. The British Airways website states that in light of a cancellation or long delay to flights “the operating carrier will provide hotel accommodation if necessary and provide transport between the airport and place of accommodation. Passengers will be advised of the arrangements for obtaining refreshments, transport and hotel accommodation, by the carrier.”
A Virgin statement relating to Hurricane Irene states: passengers who are away from home can reclaim reasonable hotel and meal costs while they wait for their new flight to depart. Again, contact your airline for clarity on what cover you have.
Also check with your travel insurance provider to see what cover you have for a cancelled or delayed flight.
(Image: NASA Goddard Photo and Video)
