Flying to Caribbean tricky in storm season

Flying between South Florida and the Caribbean? It's the time of year to keep a close eye on the tropics because storms are now more likely to pop up near our shores.

By the beginning of October, tropical systems tend to develop in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico or the western Atlantic, potentially putting a crimp in travel plans of those who use the Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Miami international airports.

"If there's serious threat, you want to be the first one to contact your airline, because everyone else is doing the same thing," said Alan Rosen, owner of Sand & C Travel in Boynton Beach.

Although hurricanes commonly emerge in the eastern Atlantic through the end of September, in the past week, one tropical system popped up in the western Caribbean and another in the central Atlantic.

About 50,000 passengers a day fly between South Florida and Caribbean destinations such as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Here's what to expect if a storm appears on the horizon.

If a storm threatens and I'm booked on a flight to a Caribbean nation, should I go?

If your airline intends to conduct the flight, that means it is confident it can get you there safely, Rosen said. Just the same, you could end up being marooned for days or weeks if the storm strikes your destination.

Most airlines allow passengers to rebook or receive travel vouchers if a hurricane forces flight cancellations. Just the same, it's wise during hurricane season to purchase travel insurance and make sure the policy covers tropical storms, Rosen said.

What if I'm at a Caribbean destination, a storm threatens and I want to fly out?

Contact your airline as soon as possible. Ensure you have internet access while traveling so you can change your reservations on an airline's web site, as reservation agents are difficult to reach during storm threats. Or, book the trip through a travel agent, who can make the changes for you.

But be prepared to pay penalties if you rebook, since the airlines might not consider the storm to be a threat when you do, Rosen said.

Why is South Florida and the Caribbean so vulnerable in September and October?

Mainly because storm formation shifts to the western Atlantic, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, not far from our shores. As a result, South Florida is most vulnerable to hurricane strikes after Sept. 10, said meteorologist Robert Molleda of the National Weather Service.

"Out of the 46 hurricanes that have either directly or indirectly struck mainland South Florida since 1865, 28 have made landfall after Sept. 10 — 61 percent," he said.

When will airlines cancel flights?

Generally, 12 to 24 hours before a storm is expected to arrive. This is to ensure planes do not get caught in winds that exceed 45 mph. Prior to that, carriers sometimes add flights to get out as many passengers as possible.

Can I camp out in an airport terminal during a storm?

No. The terminals are not set up as hurricane shelters and would not be able to provide food or water, airport officials say. However, all three of South Florida's main airports would assist stranded passengers in finding a hotel or shelter.

"Technically, the airport never closes, but it's actually not the best place for people to stay," said Stephanie Richards, spokeswoman for Palm Beach International Airport.

Will parking garages remain open during a storm?
Yes, unless there is a loss of power or all spaces are full. But, again, airport officials discourage people from leaving their cars there.

"There is the potential for flying debris since the garages are not enclosed," said Greg Meyer, spokeman for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

How does the Transportation Security Administration handle storm threats?

Prior to a storm, the TSA will add staff to checkpoints if the airlines add flights. When a system is closing in, the TSA, the airport and airlines establish a closing time for checkpoints.

"If South Florida is going to get a serious hit, we will strategize to have TSA officers from airports outside the strike zone travel to Florida to relieve the local staff so that they go home,  board up, buy supplies, or sometimes even evacuate," said Sari Koshetz, TSA spokeswoman.

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