CAA offers advice to air travellers as Hurricane Irma approaches Florida

OTTAWA – As Hurricane Irma continues its destructive path through the Caribbean and toward Florida, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has some advice for those who’ve booked travel to those areas in the coming days.

"First of all, check your flight frequently. Flight cancellations and long delays are likely," says Jeff Walker, Chief Strategy Officer. "Members and travellers who have booked with CAA are also encouraged to check with their local CAA Travel Consultant for further assistance." CAA is one of Canada's largest leisure travel agencies.

Other tips include:

• Make yourself aware of your airline's cancellation policies. Some airlines are waiving fees and issuing changes to rebooking policies as a result of the storm.
• Monitor weather conditions regularly, both in your departure city and destination.
• Check with hotel staff for local updates on the storm’s impact to their facilities.
• Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Consider signing up for text or mobile alerts from the airline for the latest flight information.
• If you are already in Florida or the Caribbean, comply with any evacuation orders. These are put in place to keep you safe.
• If possible, postpone all nonessential travel.

Irma is the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane on record. It destroyed nearly all buildings on the island of Barbuda on Wednesday, before continuing on to the French territories of St Martin and St Barts. Forecasts show it will hit the bottom of the Florida peninsula Sunday morning and travel into Savannah, Georgia by Monday afternoon.

About CAA

CAA is a federation of eight Clubs providing over six million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, member savings and comprehensive insurance services. CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its members, including air traveller rights, road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure and consumer protection.

To book an interview with a CAA travel expert or for further information, please contact:

Contact: media@caaniagara.ca