Flight Canceled or Delayed by a Hurricane: Here's What to Do Next

-- Updated June 2026 -- 

Article summary:

Hurricanes can disrupt travel plans nationwide, causing flight cancellations, airport closures and unexpected delays—even if you're nowhere near the storm. Knowing what to do before and during a disruption can help you stay calm and travel smarter.

In this article, you'll learn:

• When hurricane season occurs and which destinations are most likely to be affected
• How a flight cancellation differs from an airport closure
• Essential tips for traveling during hurricane season
• What to do if your flight is canceled or you're stranded
• How travel insurance may help cover eligible expenses
• How AAA Travel Agents can help when plans change

With the right preparation, you can navigate hurricane-related travel disruptions with greater confidence.

Travel disruptions caused by hurricanes aren't limited to coastal destinations. These powerful storms can ripple through the nation's air travel system, grounding flights and forcing airport closures hundreds or even thousands of miles away from where the storm makes landfall.

Because airlines operate on tightly coordinated schedules, a hurricane affecting airports in Florida, Texas, Louisiana or along the East Coast can trigger delays and cancellations across the country. Even if you're departing from Idaho, Michigan or another inland state, your flight could be impacted by aircraft, crews or routes disrupted elsewhere in the network.

If a storm threatens your travel plans, understanding your options before you leave can help you avoid unnecessary stress and make informed decisions if flights are delayed, canceled or rerouted.

It's also important to know when hurricane season is most likely to affect your destination. While storms can develop at any time of year, the majority occur during established hurricane seasons:

• Atlantic Hurricane Season (including the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and much of the U.S. East Coast): June 1–November 30
• Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season (off the west coast of Mexico and Central America): May 15–November 30
• Central Pacific Hurricane Season (including Hawaii): June 1–November 30

Understanding these seasonal patterns can help travelers plan more confidently, whether they're booking a Caribbean cruise, a beach vacation in Mexico or an island escape to Hawaii.

Flight cancellation vs. airport closure: What’s the difference?

When dealing with storm-related delays, it’s important to understand the difference between cancellation and closure. How you respond depends greatly on the situation.

• Flight cancellation: A flight cancellation occurs when an airline decides not to operate a specific flight. This can occur due to crew availability, mechanical issues, safety concerns or aircraft availability. Cancellations can occur days or even hours before a scheduled departure. They often increase during storm season and can ripple across multiple routes.
• Airport closure: Airport closures are often a last resort and typically occur in areas where storms are predicted to impact. If the FAA or local authorities mandate the airport to close, all flights are grounded and no one comes in or out until the airport reopens.

What to consider before you fly

If you're traveling during hurricane season, the most important thing is to be prepared and stay informed. Here are a few pre-travel tips that will make your life a little easier should you encounter delays.

• Purchase travel insurance: Look for policies that include benefits for severe weather and hurricane-related disruptions. AAA has partnered with award-winning Allianz Global Assistance, which offers benefits when a plan is purchased before a storm is named.
• Watch the forecast: If you are within two to three days of your trip, check the weather regularly. The storm may be days from landfall, but airport operations and airlines will start making decisions based on the storm’s path and projected severity.
• Opt in for airline and airport alerts: When you purchase your airline tickets, you can opt in or download their apps to get real-time flight and airport updates. Having the airline’s mobile app is an additional way to get communications from the airline.
• Confirm your flight status: Check your flight status a few days prior to departure, several hours before leaving for the airport and again after checking in. Disruptions happen fast and there may not be much notice.
• Backup lodging: If you're away from home, research and book accommodations in case you're delayed and need a place to wait out the storm. The AAA Mobile app is a great resource.
• Keep essentials in your carry-on: Consider turning your carry-on into a mini go-bag equipped with medications, toiletries, chargers and a day or two worth of clothes.

Steps to take if your flight is canceled due to a hurricane

No traveler wants to get the dreaded notification that their flight’s been canceled, but if you do end up experiencing one, here are some helpful tips for navigating it:

• Take a breath: Cancellations are frustrating and stressful. Take a moment to breathe and process so you can approach the situation with a clear head.
• Contact the airline: Reach out through the airline’s mobile app, call the customer service line or speak to a representative at the airport. Ask about rebooking options and flight vouchers.
• Review your travel insurance: Depending on the plan you choose, you could be reimbursed for hotel, meals and transportation during weather delays.

Steps to take if there is an airport closure due to a hurricane

Airport closures happen quickly and with little to no notice. If they are in an area with a hurricane or evacuation warning, they are not uncommon to close within hours of your flight.

• Stay calm: Try to remain calm despite the stress and the expectation of long lines and ongoing delays.
• Listen for instructions: Depending on the severity and proximity of the storm, you may be told to locate a hotel, shelter in place or follow a mandatory evacuation order.
• Contact your insurance provider: Travel insurance companies like Allianz typically have representatives available 24/7 to help you book emergency lodging, secure transportation or even book a flight out of another city if it is safe to travel.

What to do if you are stranded

If you're stranded due to a hurricane-related flight cancellation, airport closure or travel disruption, prioritize your safety and follow instructions from local emergency management officials. If you incur out-of-pocket expenses for hotel accommodations, meals or alternate transportation, save all receipts and documentation, as travel insurance may reimburse covered expenses.

Stay in contact with your airline, hotel, cruise line or travel agent for updates on rebooking options and itinerary changes. If you purchased travel insurance, contact your provider as soon as possible to understand your coverage and begin the claims process if needed.

With proper planning, travel insurance and access to trusted resources, you can better navigate hurricane travel disruptions and get your trip back on track when it's safe to travel.

How AAA can help during hurricane travel disruptions

Traveling during hurricane season can be unpredictable, but you don't have to navigate disruptions on your own. When you book through AAA Travel Agents, you'll have a trusted advocate who can help you adjust plans and explore your options if severe weather impacts your trip.

AAA Travel Agents can help:

• Explore rebooking options for flights, hotels, cruises and vacation packages when plans change.
• Find alternate accommodations if weather-related delays leave you stranded or require an extended stay.
• Save time and reduce stress by helping coordinate changes across multiple reservations, so you can focus on staying safe.

Paired with travel insurance and real-time updates from your airline or travel provider, a AAA Travel Agent can help you respond to the unexpected with greater confidence and peace of mind.