Air Canada says it will help thousands of travellers facing flight disruptions across the continent caused by Hurricane Ernesto.
Ernesto picked up strength early Monday, Aug. 19, as it headed farther out in the Atlantic toward easternmost Canada. The storm is expected to stay offshore, causing powerful swells, dangerous surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.
Ernesto's maximum sustained winds increased to nearly 90 mph (150 km/h) on Monday but is expected to weaken to a post-tropical storm by Tuesday.
Canada's largest airline has flexible change and cancellation policies for travellers booked on flights affected by Hurricane Ernesto.
Travellers departing from 麻豆传媒映画International Airport (YVR) should check local weather and conditions at their destination before heading to the airport. They should also check airport conditions in places en route to their destinations to see how they may impact travel.
Locals should also book travel insurance with trip interruption, trip cancellation, medical for over $5 million, and comprehensive baggage loss and delay. Passengers are advised to read the fine print of their policy closely.
What to do if Hurricane Ernesto or severe weather impacts your flight to or from Vancouver
Air Canada has enabling customers travelling on an affected flight to make changes to their booking without penalty, space permitting.
Travellers with affected flights can for free. If you purchased a holiday with , contact them directly at 1-800-296-3408.
Air Canada guests are automatically enrolled to to their mobile devices or by email. You can update your preferences online.
Flexible ticketing is in place on Aug. 19 for these destinations due to a "risk of thunderstorms":
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
- LaGuardia Airport (New York)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (New Jersey)
- Boston Logan International Airport
- Philadelphia International Airport
- St. John's International Airport
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
- Dulles International Airport (Washington, D.C.)
The revised ticketing policy is also in effect for Toronto's Lester. B Pearson International Airport (YYZ) as the Air Canada Express operations team recovers from stormy weather over the weekend, including flooding, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy for travellers heading to or from the St. John's International Airport on Monday or Tuesday. Hurricane Ernesto continues to wreak havoc on the Maritime, and flights may be impacted.
Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are possible in the coming days in portions of the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the U.S. East Coast, and the Canadian Atlantic coast, according to the NHC.
With files from The Associated Press
Find more information about exciting destinations in B.C. and across the globe, as well as travel deals and tips, by signing up for V.I.A.'s weekly travel newsletter The Wanderer. Since travel deals can sell out, find out the day they are posted by signing up for our daily Travel Deals newsletter.
Want to learn more about a specific destination or have a travel concern or idea you would like V.I.A. to write about? Email us at [email protected]. Send us stories about recent holidays that you've been on, or if you have any tips you think our readers should know about.
