Preparing for the 2025 Hurricane Season
The 2025 hurricane season has already begun, with the first storm forming in the Atlantic Ocean. Travelers should start making preparations now as experts predict that Tropical Storm Erin could strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane by August 15. While it’s still unclear if the storm will make landfall in the United States, forecasting models from the National Hurricane Center suggest that the storm might curve away from the East Coast on August 18.
To stay safe, travelers should anticipate thunderstorms and travel disruptions throughout the Northeast from August 13 to 15. US airlines are beginning to issue travel waivers, allowing passengers to change their flights at no cost to avoid potential delays and cancellations during the worst of the storms.
Passengers flying to or from the East Coast who want to adjust their plans should try to rebook as quickly as possible. Alternate flights are likely to fill up fast, and airlines’ rebooking rules can be strict for avoiding new fees. Here’s a breakdown of which airlines are allowing passengers to rebook at no extra cost as Tropical Storm Erin rolls in.
Delta Air Lines
Delta’s travel waiver allows passengers flying on August 13 or 14 to change the date of their flight up until August 16 without paying any difference in fare, as long as they’re flying through one of nine US airports on the East Coast. The eligible airports include Baltimore (BWI), Boston (BOS), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK and LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Washington DC Dulles (IAD), Washington DC Reagan (DCA), and White Plains, New York (HPN).
Travelers must book in the same class as their original ticket, or they might have to pay a difference in fare. If passengers are unable to rebook within these guidelines, they can also cancel their ticket and receive a voucher valid for one year.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue’s travel waiver is more closely tailored to New York-area airports. The carrier is waiving change fees, cancellation fees, and fare differences for passengers scheduled to travel through five New York airports on August 13. Eligible airports include Islip/Long Island (ISP), New York (JFK and LGA), Newark (EWR), and Westchester County (HPN).
Travelers must rebook flights for travel through August 16 before the departure time of their original flight. The original flight must also have been booked on or before August 12. Customers can rebook online in the “manage trips” section of JetBlue’s website.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is offering added flexibility for passengers traveling through one of 12 Northeast airports on August 13 or 14. These airports include Albany (ALB), Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Boston (BOS), Hartford (BDL), Long Island/Islip (ISP), Manchester (MHT), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Portland (PWM), Providence (PVD), Washington DC (IAD and DCA).
Customers can rebook their ticket or travel standby within 14 days of their original flight and not pay any additional charges. Travel must also be between the original city pairs to avoid any added fees. Passengers who purchased their flights on Southwest’s website or mobile app are eligible to reschedule their travel online.
Tips for Traveling During the 2025 Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak activity in mid-September. Experts expect this season to have above-average hurricane activity, with up to 19 named storms—four more than a typical year.
If you’re planning coastal or island travel during this stretch, it’s important to remain flexible in your plans and closely monitor alerts from your airline. It’s a good idea to add your email or phone number to your airline booking to receive travel advisories and flight updates directly to your mobile devices. Travelers who have already booked their flights can also enroll for airline travel alerts on the flight reservations page of most carriers’ websites.
When booking a trip during hurricane season, check if it makes sense to purchase travel insurance that can reimburse pre-paid, non-refundable expenses in the case of an extreme weather event. The conditions for hurricane-related coverage can often be highly specific, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing. A helpful tip is to check if your credit card already includes travel insurance to avoid doubling up.
This is a developing news story and will be updated with information as it becomes available.
