Guatemalan Volcano Erupts, Kills 62 and Shuts Down Airport
Guatemala's Volcan de Fuego (Volcano of Fire) erupted on Sunday, killing at least 62 people as it spewed lava into the surrounding countryside and darkened the sky with thick clouds of ash.
The volcano, which is located in a rural region about 25 miles outside of the Central American country's capital, Guatemala City, sent clouds of smoke nearly six miles into the air.
Several people have been reported missing as the the lava gushes into residential areas, burning houses and roads at a temperature of up to 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit. Two children burned to death while watching the eruption from a nearby bridge, and at least four people died in a house that caught fire from the lava flow, according to the AP.
At least 3,000 people have been evacuated from the eruption zone — some residents were reportedly trapped by surrounding lava and unable to leave or receive help from first responders. Several people have also been reported missing.
The country's aviation officials closed the Guatemala City Airport (GUA) on Sunday because the thick plumes of ash posed significant risks to aircraft flying into the city of about 3 million. Military was called in to sweep ash from the airport's runway:
The airport was re-opened on Monday after the ash was cleared from the runways. But airport officials said it is up to each airline when to resume flights, the AP reports.
Here is a roundup of the latest travel waivers from airlines that serve Guatemala City's airport:
American:
- Affected airports: Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)
- Travel dates: June 3 - 5, 2018
- Can travel June 3 - 8, 2018
- Must have bought your ticket by: June 3, 2018
- Don't change your origin or destination city
- Rebook in the same cabin or pay the difference
Delta:
- Affected airports: Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)
- Impacted travel dates: June 3-5, 2018
- Ticket must be reissued on or before: June 08, 2018
- Rebooked travel must begin no later than: June 08, 2018
- When rescheduled travel occurs beyond June 08, 2018, 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.
Spirit:
- Affected airports: Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)
- Travel dates: June 3-5, 2018
- Modification Charge/Fare Difference waived through: June 8, 2018; After this date, the modification charge is waived, but a fare difference may apply.
United:
- Affected airports: Guatemala City, GT (GUA)
- Original travel dates: June 3, 2018 - June 4, 2018
- Flight changes: The change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new United flights departing on or before June 7, 2018, as long as travel is rescheduled in the originally ticketed cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed.
*This post has been updated with the latest numbers in the volcano's death toll.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.