Airlines cap fares, add seats ahead of Hurricane Maria

Several major U.S. airlines have agreed to cap airfares and add new seats for those trying to flee the path of Hurricane Maria.

American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines said Tuesday that they will cap one-way, nonstop fares and offer travel waivers ahead of the Category 5 hurricane.

Delta will also temporarily waive baggage and pet fees for customers traveling to and from impacted airports, while United and Delta have both added extra flights.

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Maria, which has already battered the Caribbean island of Dominica, is now barreling toward Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some of those regions are still recovering from Hurricane Irma.

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) said his office received complaints that airfares were surging “into the thousands of dollars” in the days leading up to Irma earlier this month. Several airlines agreed to cap airfares to and from affected areas, but Nelson urged airlines on Monday to do the same for Maria.

“Individuals and families should not be forced to delay or cancel their evacuation efforts because of confusion over the cost of airfare,” Nelson said in a letter to 10 airline CEOs.

Nelson is up for reelection next year and could be challenged by Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R), who is also dealing with Irma’s aftermath.