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As the Southeast U.S. recovers in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, travelers looking to adjust their air travel plans to or from affected areas without facing financial penalties may encounter challenges, according to experts.

“The major issue in U.S. air travel is that passengers have very limited rights when there is a significant disruption,” said Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp, an online service aiding airline passengers.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation advised against unnecessary travel in the western part of the state due to numerous road closures caused by downed trees, landslides, and “catastrophic damage.”

Amid the destruction, travelers seeking to modify flights or get refunds may find airlines reluctant to provide financial flexibility. Airlines are generally required to offer prompt refunds to passengers if they cancel or make significant changes to a flight, regardless of the reason, as stated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. However, instances like Hurricane Helene are typically considered beyond the airline’s control, resulting in limited compensation rights for passengers.

Some airlines are making concessions related to Hurricane Helene, with policies varying by carrier and location. Many major U.S. airlines have specific webpages for travel alerts outlining their procedures for specific events. For example, United Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences for passengers affected by flooding and who opt to reschedule their flight within specific parameters.

Travel insurance may not always provide a fallback if reimbursement isn’t obtained from the travel provider, as coverage typically applies to specific, defined reasons. Consumers who paid for their trip with a credit card may be eligible for travel reimbursement benefits from their card issuer, potentially even for severe weather incidents, with quick claims processing usually required.

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