Airlines issue waivers, cruise ships reroute ahead of Hurricane Irma
Fresh from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Florida is bracing for a possible impact from ‘life threatening’ Hurricane Irma.
State governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency on Monday across the state as Irma strengthened into a Category 4 storm with expected 130-mile-per-hour winds.
"Hurricane Irma is a major and life threatening storm and Florida must be prepared," Scott said.
"In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared."
"For people in South Florida, now is the time to start preparing and getting those hurricane kits in order," said Chuck Caracozza, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami.
It could yet strengthen to a Category 5 storm, Caracozza says.
The current model from the National Weather Center shows Irma reaching Puerto Rico by Wednesday and making landfall in Florida at the weekend.
It spells more disruption for the nation’s airlines and cruise operators.
United Airlines is waiving change fees for flights to or from Puerto Rico flights for original travel dates through September 7.
American and Delta Air Lines also added routes to the US and British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Antigua, St Kitts and St Maarten eligible for free changes.
Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line is taking no chances and has revised itineraries for four ships, sending them toward the Western Caribbean out of harm’s way.
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is also heading west, as are the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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