A few airlines provided waivers or alternative options for planned journeys to, from, or via New Orleans in the wake of what officials described as a tragic terrorist attack on Wednesday.
Southwest, American, United, and Delta were included among those granting flexibility. Certain flights may qualify for a refund based on the situation.
Southwest representatives indicated that their clients can rebook or opt for standby on the same route within 14 days of their original travel date without incurring extra fees.
American’s notice mentioned that tickets purchased by New Year’s Day for travel from Wednesday to Friday could be altered without charges.
Delta released a notification regarding the waiver stating it was being issued due to potential disruptions in travel stemming from “the security situation in New Orleans.”
Authorities reported that a Texas man drove a vehicle into a crowd in New Orleans early Wednesday, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and over 30 injuries. Investigators believe the assailant did not act alone. The man was shot and killed by law enforcement at the scene after firing at officers, according to authorities.
In the aftermath of the assault, the Sugar Bowl, featuring Georgia and Notre Dame— was rescheduled for Thursday.
There seemed to be minimal disruption to flights at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Wednesday, as per FlightAware.com. Several additional New Orleans-Atlanta flights planned for Thursday to accommodate attendees of the Sugar Bowl were postponed a day later due to the game’s delay, according to Delta.
Delta’s waiver permits travelers with New Orleans flight reservations for January 1-3 to modify their flights without incurring specific extra fees. Customers are also able to cancel their reservations to receive flight credit.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Dallas Morning News contributed to this report.