Airports and airlines are taking necessary precautions in anticipation of Hurricane Milton hitting the Tampa Bay area this week. Here's what travelers need to know:
Tampa International Airport has announced that it will suspend operations early on Tuesday, while Orlando International Airport will cease commercial operations on Wednesday. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will close at 4 p.m. on Tuesday and will reopen once it is safe to do so. St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport will close its terminal after the last flight on Tuesday and remain closed through Thursday due to being in a mandatory evacuation zone.
Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers has stated that most airlines will operate on Tuesday, but no flights will be available on Wednesday or Thursday.
Several major airlines have issued travel alerts in light of the hurricane:
American Airlines is monitoring the storm's path and allowing affected customers to rebook without change fees. United Airlines is offering rescheduling options with waived change fees and fare differences for flights departing no later than October 19. Southwest Airlines has warned of potential disruptions and is allowing customers to cancel or change reservations to affected Florida airports without extra charges. Delta Air Lines has also outlined rebooking options in its weather alert.
