Airlines have responded to criticism that they were introducing opportunistic price hikes as people rush to leave Florida, Reuters reports – but many flights have been cancelled:
American Airlines said it would begin winding down operations in south Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, on Friday. Miami-bound flights arriving on Friday from Europe and South America were cancelled.
American, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue all announced fare caps on flights out of Florida – $99 on JetBlue and American and $399 on Delta – for residents trying to get out of the storm’s path.
“We want those trying to leave ahead of the hurricane to focus on their safe evacuation rather than worry about the cost of flights,” JetBlue spokesman Doug McGraw said.
As Irma approached, some social media users had accused carriers of engaging in price-gouging schemes ahead of the dangerous storm.
United Airlines said it had suspended operations out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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