As Hurricane Milton approached Florida, several airports in the state began closing, and airlines were forced to cancel hundreds of flights. In response to the impending storm, President Joe Biden and other government officials warned companies against price gouging and encouraged them to provide necessary services to accommodate evacuations.
Despite the warnings, some travelers experienced steep price increases for flights out of the storm’s path. Cerina McQuillan shared her frustration after witnessing ticket prices spike from $200 to $750 within seconds. Similarly, Jeremy Bingaman called out United Airlines for charging as much as $2,351 for flights out of Tampa to St. Louis, while other airlines offered more reasonable fares.
In an effort to address the issue, airlines like Delta and American stated that they had implemented fare caps to prevent excessive price hikes. However, concerns about affordability and availability of flights persisted, prompting the U.S. Transportation Department to monitor the situation closely.
As the impact of Hurricane Milton intensified, flight cancellations were expected to exceed 1,600, with Florida bearing the brunt of the disruptions. Several airports, including St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Orlando International Airport, announced closures in anticipation of the storm’s landfall.
Travelers, like John Fedor and his wife, faced challenges in securing transportation out of Florida, with limited options, high prices, and poor customer service adding to their frustration. Despite the difficulties, efforts were being made to accommodate affected passengers and ensure their safety during the storm.
In times of crisis, it is crucial for companies and government agencies to work together to support those in need and prevent exploitation. By monitoring and addressing issues such as price gouging, the authorities can help ensure that essential services remain accessible to all, especially during emergencies like Hurricane Milton.
