Tropical Storm Darby Headed for Hawaii, Fee Waivers Issued
Headed to Hawaii this weekend? Make sure to pack a rain jacket. Tropical Storm Darby is bearing down on the Hawaiian islands now. If Darby stays on the forecast path, it'll make for quite a wet and windy weekend on the Hawaiian islands.
If you have flights scheduled anytime today through Monday to or from Hawaii, check below to see if your airline has issued a fee waiver. If so, you may be able delay – or extend, if you're already there – your Hawaiian vacation.
The current National Hurricane Center forecast shows Tropical Storm Darby passing the Big Island on Saturday afternoon, Maui early Sunday morning and Oahu on Sunday afternoon. A tropical storm warning has already been posted for the Big Island, meaning tropical storm winds are expected there within 24 hours.
While the storm is not expected to increase to hurricane strength, this storm may still have a significant impact on flights to and from Hawaii. It's quite a ways from the US mainland to Hawaii, so airlines might be conservative about flying into the area.
Airline Travel Waivers
If you're planning on traveling to Hawaii over the next few days, American Airlines, Delta and United have set-up travel fee waivers to allow free rebooking.
Airports affected:
- Honolulu, HI (HNL)
- Kona, HI (KOA)
- Lihue, HI (LIH)
- Maui Kahului, HI (OGG)
A one-time ticketing fee will be waived for travel changes if you:
- Are traveling on an American Airlines operated flight
- Purchased your original ticket by July 20, 2016
- Are scheduled to travel July 22-25, 2016 to/through/from the affected airports
- Are flexible to travel July 21-27, 2016
You may be able to change your trip online if it was booked on aa.com or with a reservations agent and you're traveling from/to the US, Puerto Rico or US Virgin Islands.
Look for the 'change trip' button to see if your trip is eligible. If not, you can call to change your trip.
Affected Cities (To/From)
- Honolulu, HI (HNL)
- Lihue, HI (LIH)
- Kona, HI (KOA)
- Maui, HI (OGG)
Impacted Travel Date(s): July 23-25, 2016
Ticket must be reissued on or before: July 28, 2016
Rebooked travel must begin no later than: July 28, 2016
When rescheduled travel occurs beyond July 28, 2016, the change fee will be waived. However, a difference in fare may apply. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity, one year from date of original issue. If travel is not able to be rescheduled within these guidelines, customers may cancel their reservation and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of one year from the original ticket issuance. Applicable change fee and fare difference will apply for new travel dates. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity.
Airports:
- Hilo, HI (ITO)
- Honolulu, HI (HNL)
- Kahului, HI (OGG)
- Kona, HI (KOA)
- Lihue, HI (LIH)
Original travel date(s): July 22-25, 2016
The change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new flights departing on or before July 28, 2016, as long as travel is rescheduled in the same cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed.
Will you be in Hawaii during this tropical storm?
