What to know about travel impacts and ways to help as Southern California fires cause devastation

The wildfires that burned a tragic, devastating path across the greater Los Angeles area and have resulted in a loss of more than 12,000 structures and evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents also affected those who had plans to travel from, to or through the area.

Tourism officials and local leaders, though, are urging visitors to return.

Here's what we know right now; expect updates with evolving or additional details as we get them.

Is it safe to travel to Southern California?

It is now safe to travel to most of Southern California. There are, however, some areas that remain under evacuation orders or are off-limis to non-residents.

Still, local leaders are encouraging event planners and tourists to keep trips planned for the L.A. region as the vast majority of the attractions and tourism-related businesses remain fully operational.

"With over 540,000 Angelenos working in the tourism sector and more than 1,000 local businesses relying on our industry for their livelihoods, travelers continuing to visit our City of Angels for leisure, business, and meetings & conventions has never been more critical," said Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board President & CEO Adam Burke in a statement shared with TPG. "In moments like these, tourism does more than drive our economy – it becomes a lifeline in supporting our community's recovery."

Burke continued:

"Last week, we proudly launched Dine LA – one of the most highly anticipated culinary programs in the nation – inviting locals and visitors alike to explore over 420 innovative, eclectic restaurants across the region. It is a true showcase of how our vibrant local businesses stand ready to welcome guests with open arms and this season's event will directly benefit ongoing wildfire relief efforts. For each Dine LA reservation made, LA Tourism will donate $5 to the American Red Cross up to $50,000 and – thanks to a generous $5 matching contribution from Bank of California, the largest independent bank based in Los Angeles – the total possible donation will double to $100,000.

We're immeasurably grateful to all those who continue to choose LA as one of the world's premier travel destinations. Our tourism partners are dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming experience for all, whether you're a local enjoying a staycation or a guest from anywhere around the globe."

Impact of Los Angeles fires on airport operations

One traveler flying to the Los Angeles area from Denver posted a video on X showing an overhead view of the Palisades fire burning. His flight was supposed to land at Burbank Airport but was instead diverted to LAX due to turbulence caused by the strong winds that helped fan the flames.

The good news is that airport operations have returned to normal.

Airline waivers issued for the Los Angeles fires

Several airlines issued region-specific travel alerts designed to offer some flexibility for people who had travel plans affected by the fires, including those that live in Los Angeles and are directly affected or people who wanted to postpone travel.

Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines allowed people who had flights booked to and from LA-area airports to rebook those flights for alternate dates at no additional fare.

Those waivers have now expired.

Impact of the fires on popular Los Angeles tourist attractions

Note that many attractions that make the Lost Angeles area one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. are open again.

The Getty Villa, part of the iconic J. Paul Getty Museum, escaped the damage. Both it and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles have roopened.

The world-renowned Griffith Observatory, which is close to the iconic Hollywood sign has reopened. Warner Bros. had closed its popular studio tours, but those have resumed. Paramount Pictures had closed, but has since reopened for tours as of Monday.

Universal Studios Hollywood, located in the San Fernando Valley, temporarily closed its doors on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, as did the surrounding shopping and entertainment center Universal CityWalk, but both reopened.

Disneyland, which is in Orange County about 45 minutes from Pacific Palisades, where the worst of the wildfires is located, remained open, as did Knott's Berry Farm. Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia was also temporarily closed, but has reopened.

A list of additional affected shows, performances and attractions is being maintained by Discover Los Angeles.

Impact of fires on cruises

Fortunately, it does not appear that any cruises have been affected .

TPG's guide on what happens if a cruise gets canceled is the next place to refer to for guidance if you receive notice that your cruise is canceled.

Impact of fires on hotel reservations

For those who have plans to travel to Los Angeles but need to cancel or change a hotel reservation, we recommend reaching out directly to the property to see what the current cancelation policy is, given the circumstances.

Hilton, for example, has temporarily altered its policy for hotels in the area of impact. The company's official statement is as follows: "Our thoughts are with all who have been impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles County. Hilton is closely monitoring the situation with the safety and security of our guests and Team Members as our top priority. At this time, Hilton properties are open and operational. For guests, modification and cancellation penalties may be waived. Guests are encouraged to contact 1-800-HILTONS or visit Hilton.com for the latest information on specific properties."

A spokesperson at Marriott told TPG that Marriott properties in the impacted area are "reviewing their cancellation fees as things are still fluid" and that details might vary by hotel. Guests should visit Marriott.com or use the Marriott Bonvoy app to change or cancel a reservation.

In an email to TPG, a Hyatt spokesperson noted that the company is prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of guests and employees."We remain committed to caring for guests, colleagues and the Los Angeles area community during this difficult time, and our hearts go out to all those who are impacted by this terrible situation," they said. "We continue to extend care for guests and World of Hyatt members, and several Hyatt hotels near the most affected areas are currently waiving cancellation fees and offering special rates for displaced Los Angeles residents. We are also extending care to California-based guests and members in need of canceling reservations without penalty at several Hyatt hotels outside the state, addressing their needs on an individual basis."

Those with inquiries about current or future reservations at Hyatt hotels in Los Angeles can contact Hyatt Global Customer Care at 1-888-848-9496. Guests who made reservations via an online travel agent or third party should contact the booking provider directly for assistance.

We will continue updating this section with more hotel policy information as we learn more.

Will your credit card or trip insurance cover changes?

Some trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance policies will cover nonrefundable expenses, such as airfare, accommodation and activities if you need to cancel your trip (or the remainder of your trip) due to a natural disaster like wildfires. However, credit card insurance policies are all very different, so check the benefits guide for the card you used to book your airfare for specific exclusions.

You must have booked your trip before the natural disaster starts in order to be covered. This means that if you booked a new trip today, it likely wouldn't be covered due to the wildfires already being labeled a declared emergency.

If you need to file a trip cancellation or interruption claim:

• Check your credit card's benefits guide to see if you are eligible for coverage and what the limits are.
• Call your credit card's benefits administrator or start a claim online.
• Determine which documents you need to collect.
• Submit the documents within the required timeline.

Related: 4 times your credit card's travel insurance can help with travel woes, and 7 times it won't

Resources for those affected by the Los Angeles fires

Our hearts go out to those affected by the fires in California. For those looking for on-the-ground assistance, here are some resources regarding discounted places to stay as a result of this disaster:

• Discover Los Angeles has a good list of resources for locals, including codes for hotel discounts. Many hotels are offering rates as low as $139 a night for evacuees, including DoubleTree by Hilton hotels. Many hotels will offer you a special rate if you mention you were forced to evacuate.
• Oliver Hospitality is providing a refuge for those who have lost their homes or are under immediate evacuation orders and offering complimentary stays for up to five nights at its California properties — Station House Inn in South Lake Tahoe and Lodge at Marconi in West Marin. Impacted Californians can call the hotels directly.
• An additional list can be found on TravelAge West.
• For those who can get to San Diego, the San Diego County Lodging Association has provided a list here of hotels in the area offering assistance for those who have been displaced.
• Visit Great Palm Springs also has a comprehensive list of local hotels that are providing free and discounted accommodations to those impacted by the fires.
• Santa Barbara's homepage has a list of special Santa Barbara lodging rates for wildfire evacuees here.
• Visit West Hollywood has a list of fire relief hotel offers here.
• Airbnb.org, in partnership with 211 LA, is offering temporary housing at no cost for eligible residents displaced by the recent wildfires. Space is limited, but you can fill out the form to start the process to see if you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Residents in Los Angeles County who've been ordered to vacate their homes can get credit from Uber to get to an evacuation site. The $40 will only be valid for trips to an active shelter and by using the code "WILDFIRE25."
• Lyft announced it will be offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips, to 15,000 customers from now until midnight on Jan. 15, 2025. Use the code "CAFIRERELIEF25" to get the promotion.
• In an email to TPG, a Hilton spokesperson shared the following: "Hilton and American Express are partnering to make 20,000 hotel room nights available at no charge to impacted people across the greater Los Angeles area. Hilton is working with local nonprofit organization 211 LA to coordinate distribution of rooms to people impacted by the wildfires; individuals who have not yet applied with the nonprofit for accommodations can complete an application online."

How you can help

If you want to help the people of Southern California during this disaster, there are various ways to do that, including some that leverage your existing points and miles.

• The American Red Cross has a California-specific donation page set up.
• World Central Kitchen is also on the ground. It has a dedicated page set up for donations for fire relief.
• Chase Pay Yourself Back is still offering bonus points on select charities such as the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen — with up to a 50% bonus on your points until March 31.
• You can also donate your points directly to charities. IHG One Rewards members, for example, can support by donating points directly to the American Red Cross at this link. We've got a complete guide to making those donations.
• Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are supporting the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation with a $100,000 donation. They will also match up to five million miles donated until Jan. 17, 2025. You can got to alaskaair.com/donatemiles to get started.
• United Airlines is also matching donations up to $150,000 cash and 5 million miles. You can go to: www.donate.mileageplus.com/california-wildfires to get started.
• Marriott Bonvoy will match up to 50 million points through the end of March. To help go to: www.giving.marriott.com/DisasterRelief.
• A spokesperson from Hilton shared the following with TPG: "Hilton and The Hilton Global Foundation are supporting first responders in the Los Angeles area with contributions to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the International Fire Fighters Association Foundation, and Hilton Honors members can join in relief efforts by donating points to support the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and other nonprofit organizations." To donate points, visit this page.