Hurricane Irma?

[TinkerBelle_325]

Of course, but I was blowing this storm off when the first people started talking about it. I just think more information is always good. Never want to be blindsided.

But I do apologize if it came across wrong.

I understand that. For what it's worth - all of the spaghetti models for Invest94L (it's not Jose yet) have it going off into the Atlantic. It also is much much less organized than Irma with the most aggressive model estimating it's top wind speeds at 50-60 mph, with the majority of models placing it at 30-40mph even 10 days from now. So tropical depression or tropical storm is the current thought by both EURO and GFS.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Just wondering did you call before they closed the airport?

Yes. I called early Wednesday afternoon. The airport closed at 8pm on Thursday.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I completely agree with you, many were blowing Irma off with the same exact words a week and a half (or so) ago. This could be a very active hurricane season. Anyone interested in weather or concerned about their plans should be watching to see what happens. So much rudeness for people just wanting to be informed and inform others.

I have absolutely no problem with being informed or informing others. In fact I've been actively sharing my experience during Hurricane Matthew. But Invest94L isn't a storm yet and with the after effects of Harvey and the impending impact of Irma I think it's best to focus on the formed storms for the time being.

As a matter of fact, there was an Invest that formed during Harvey that many were sure was going to become a named storm and then it dissipated.

 

[Tonyz]

I understand that. For what it's worth - all of the spaghetti models for Invest94L (it's not Jose yet) have it going off into the Atlantic. It also is much much less organized than Irma with the most aggressive model estimating it's top wind speeds at 50-60 mph, with the majority of models placing it at 30-40mph even 10 days from now. So tropical depression or tropical storm is the current thought by both EURO and GFS.

I hope it misses completely and you have the best trip of your life. Us danger-seeking September-goers need to stick together!

 

[Tonyz]

I've heard some examples of how Southwest handles hurricanes... Any first hand Knowledge of JetBlue? Specifically wondering if they will allow for earlier departures if a warning is issues (say 24 hours or so)?

By the way, this thread is great... lots of good information and lets plenty of us think about our options in case anything does happen, while hoping it doesn't of course

Just looked at the JetBlue alert section on their site and it confirms everything people are saying here. This is really awesome because that's one less thing to worry about if we do want to leave early.

Hurricane Irma fee waiver
Last Updated: 9/4/2017 3:30 PM ET
Travel agents click here.

Due to the impending weather forecasted in the Caribbean region, we will waive fees and increases in fare for customers traveling Tuesday, September 5, 2017 through Wednesday, September 6, 2017 to/from:

https://www2.jetblue.com/JetblueAlerts/WeatherUpdate.aspx?intcmp=global_travelalert

 

[SDSorority]

I pulled the trigger and moved my trip by a few days. We were scheduled to fly in on Monday the 11th. I know that the track of the hurricane is far from decided, but I have a lot of flexibility in terms of vacation time so it seemed like the safest bet for me. We'll be in WDW from Sept 14th - 23rd now. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for all of you that have trips coming up sooner.

We're plotting out other options just in case, too. Here's hoping we can change our DVC point rental reservation if needed.....

 

[lbuzz52]

We had to change our flight for our trip last year due to the hurricane. We ended up flying the day the Florida airports opened back up. When we went to the airport, we didn't think about the impact that all the cancelled flights from the day before would have. Neither did the airlines at our hometown. The lines for the counters were hours long. There were employees cherry picking people out of the line based on whose flight departed next. But they didn't have enough staff. Ended up sending my family on our original flight and I was moved to a flight later in the day so that I could check our flights. Moral of the story- leave way more time than you think for the airport if there are any closures.

 

[Roxyfire]

I have absolutely no problem with being informed or informing others. In fact I've been actively sharing my experience during Hurricane Matthew. But Invest94L isn't a storm yet and with the after effects of Harvey and the impending impact of Irma I think it's best to focus on the formed storms for the time being.

As a matter of fact, there was an Invest that formed during Harvey that many were sure was going to become a named storm and then it dissipated.

I'm not telling people to get whipped into a frenzy, but there's nothing wrong with someone pointing something out.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

From what I've been reading, I guess it's pretty easy to move MNSSHP? only maor thing we may lose is BBB for our girls. Scheduled 9-12 and BOG right after. Still hopeful! and still praying for everyone that may be in the path.

 

[Tonyz]

We had to change our flight for our trip last year due to the hurricane. We ended up flying the day the Florida airports opened back up. When we went to the airport, we didn't think about the impact that all the cancelled flights from the day before would have. Neither did the airlines at our hometown. The lines for the counters were hours long. There were employees cherry picking people out of the line based on whose flight departed next. But they didn't have enough staff. Ended up sending my family on our original flight and I was moved to a flight later in the day so that I could check our flights. Moral of the story- leave way more time than you think for the airport if there are any closures.

Yeah if I'm changing my flight it's gonna be for before the storm gets near, not after it passes. I feel lucky in that way since my trip essentially ends on the day it's supposed to hit Florida, so if I have to leave a little early to avoid not just the mess from the storm, but the equally frustrating mess from the airports that's okay. And knowing that JetBlue waves fees for stuff like this is very good news to hear.

Bring it on, Irma!
(Actually please don't...)

 

[5forDis]

For free?

Yes! They even offer a refund if unable to switch dates. If you to JetBlue's site you will see the notification for any flights to/from Caribbean--reschedule or refund

Edited to add: I see you already checked out JetBlue's site and posted it

 

[Tonyz]

Yes! They even offer a refund if unable to switch dates. If you to JetBlue's site you will see the notification for any flights to/from Caribbean--reschedule or refund

Edited to add: I see you already checked out JetBlue's site and posted it

So awesome to hear. Makes the whole thing just so much easier!

Now do you know if they would give you this info a few days in advance?

 

[Lehuaann]

Of course, but I was blowing this storm off when the first people started talking about it. I just think more information is always good. Never want to be blindsided.

But I do apologize if it came across wrong.

Nope, no apologies. You are fine. And thank you for bringing up what happened in the other thread. I felt bad for the Op when Irma was a wave/Invest 93L. Now look where we are.

 

[Draydey]

Is it me or is this thing starting to head towards the Gulf of Mexico?

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

Just a question. When is the danger of Irma supposed to be passed? Should anyone with travel plans past the 15 or 16 of September be concerned?

 

[Tinkerbell2017]

State of emergency declared in Miami.

 

[DLgal]

Just a note for those of you saying you may just drive if your flights are cancelled...DON'T do that! Driving on an interstate during a hurricane is a horrible experience. Even if you are at the edges of the storm...winds in excess of 40mph with stronger gusts along with rain make for terrifying driving conditions.

I was in WDW during Sandy. My flight home to D.C. (Dulles) was cancelled but I HAD to get home because my husband was with our kids and he had to go to work the next day (he was emergency government personnel at the time). I managed to snag the last seat on a Jet Blue flight to Richmond, had to rent a car and drive to Dulles to pick up my car that was parked there before heading home. It was the scariest drive of my life. At the time, Sandy was parallel to the coast just off VA. Trees and huge branches were coming down across I-95. Tractor trailers were tipping over. The wind was blowing debris all around the road. I white knuckled it for 2 hours and had the mother of all migraines by the time I got home.

If your flight is cancelled, stay put! Don't think that driving is a viable option if there will be hurricane force winds along your path.

 

[Tinkerbell2017]

Is it me or is this thing starting to head towards the Gulf of Mexico?

It's headed that way but it's suppose to take a turn north. Nobody knows when though.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

State of emergency declared in Miami.

Where has this been posted? I know that there has been a state of emergency declared in Puerto Rico a few moments ago. It would be very premature for Miami to do so at this stage.

 

[CounselorX]

State of emergency declared in Miami.

Where do you see this?