Three major airlines said Tuesday they will cap airfares and add extra seats for anyone trying to leave Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands before Hurricane Maria hits, USA Today reported.
American Airlines, United, and Delta also added flights to their routes. Maria has strengthened to a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 175 mph and is supposed to hit the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday and Puerto Rico on Wednesday.
American capped airfare at $99 for coach seats and $199 for premium seats on non-stop flights only through Sept. 24, United at $384 for non-stop in economy, and Delta at $199 through Sept. 21 for non-stop flights. United also added 500 seats to flights Tuesday out of Puerto Rico, and Delta added two flights from San Juan to Atlanta.
Delta is also waiving pet and baggage fees and change fees for St. Martin, Turks and Caicos, and St. Thomas for flights through Dec. 31.
Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., urged 10 U.S. airlines to cap airfare ahead of the storm.
"Individuals and families should not be forced to delay or cancel their evacuation efforts because of confusion over the cost of airfare," Nelson told USA Today.
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