As Tropical Storm Debby neared Florida on Sunday, travel disruptions surged across the United States. The storm, anticipated to make landfall as a hurricane on Monday, led to widespread flight cancellations and delays. By 5 p.m. ET, nearly 2,000 flights had been canceled and around 6,300 were delayed, according to FlightAware. Major carriers American Airlines and JetBlue experienced the highest number of cancellations, each scrapping approximately 17% of their scheduled flights.

Airlines Offer Waivers and Refunds

In response to the storm’s impact, several airlines have implemented waivers to assist affected travelers. Passengers with flights impacted by Tropical Storm Debby can now change their travel plans without incurring additional fees. The airlines offering these waivers include:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Travelers whose flights are canceled are entitled to refunds by Department of Transportation regulations. Those affected are encouraged to contact their airlines for assistance and to monitor flight status updates.

Cruise Itineraries Adjusted

The impact of Tropical Storm Debby extended beyond air travel, affecting cruise itineraries as well. Several cruise lines adjusted their schedules in response to the storm:

• Carnival Cruise Line: The Carnival Elation, originally scheduled to return to Jacksonville on Monday, has rescheduled its return to Sunday. The ship, which departed for a Bahamas cruise on Thursday, is prioritizing guest and crew safety while closely following guidance from the National Hurricane Center and other authorities.
• Royal Caribbean International: The Symphony of the Seas altered its plans by skipping a stop at Port Canaveral on Sunday. Instead, the ship remained at sea. The vessel is on a week-long Bahamas cruise that departed from Bayonne, New Jersey, on Friday.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: The Norwegian Sky changed its course to visit Nassau instead of Great Stirrup Cay on Sunday. The ship, which left Miami on Friday, also skipped a planned stop in Key West on Saturday and stayed at sea. Norwegian Cruise Line emphasized that the safety of guests and crew is their top priority.
• Margaritaville at Sea: The Islander ship, initially set to depart for Key West and Cozumel, Mexico, on Sunday, will now leave on Monday due to closed waterways at Port Tampa Bay. The vessel will forgo its Key West stop as a result of the delay.

Travelers are advised to stay updated on their travel plans and check with airlines and cruise lines for the latest information and adjustments due to Tropical Storm Debby’s progression.