Airlines and hotels warn of possible cancellations due to storm

Tropical Storm Dorian is expected to impact Labor Day weekend travel and holiday plans, and airlines and hotels are starting to prepare.

Southwest Airlines and Delta are warning travelers flights may be delayed, diverted or canceled coinciding with potential impacts from Dorian.

This notice ahead of storm effects is especially notable for anyone traveling to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic.

• Delta – Tropical Storm Dorian 
• Southwest – Tropical Storm Dorian 

Hotels are also sending out warnings of possible cancellations.

If you have questions about possible cancellations, visit these customer help travel sites here:

• Orbitz
• Expedia
• Priceline

If your have a cruise booked, here’s what Royal Caribbean has to say from a recent blog:

“Royal Caribbean uses sophisticated technology, like the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) to track and monitor weather patterns around the world. Our corporate offices in Miami and every ship’s bridge are equipped with computers, satellites and radars. James even keeps portable tracking devices with him at all times.

“What’s more, our officers on board are constantly monitoring information provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Stationed throughout the ship, these officers are responsible for making sure guests are safe and comfortable should inclement weather arise.”

Always contact the cruise line directly for the latest updates.

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line

WHAT IF MY FLIGHT IS CANCELED OR DELAYED?

When planning a trip, passengers should keep in mind that airlines do not guarantee their schedules.  While airlines want to get passengers to their destinations on time, there are many things that can – and sometimes do – make it difficult for flights to arrive on time.  Some problems, like bad weather, air traffic delays and mechanical issues, are hard to predict and often beyond the airlines’ control.

In the United States, airlines are not required to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled.  Compensation is required by U.S. law only when certain passengers are “bumped” from a flight that is oversold.

The Department’s rules regarding flight delays and cancellations apply only to flights that operate to, from or within the United States.  However, passengers flying between or within foreign countries may be protected from flight delays and cancellations by the laws of another nation.

While travel insurance might let you change your flight ahead of time, you are covered regardless, if you’re flight is cancelled.The Department of Transportation says most airlines will rebook you for free on their next flight. But if that cancellation comes and you have to forget the whole trip, you’re entitled to a refund for the unused flight – even for non-refundable tickets. Just don’t expect airlines to cover the cruise you missed.The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association says they are monitoring the storm and if it escalates, they encourage hotel owners to be flexible, and to be kind.

MORE: Read more from the U.S. Department of Transportation