Travel Plans to Eastern United States and Canada – On hold

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Hurricane Irene - NASATHUNDER BAY – That trip to the eastern United States this weekend might be one well worth postponing. Diane Ablonczy, Canada’s Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), today urged Canadians on the east coast of the United States to follow advice on Hurricane Irene.

“Canadians residing or travelling in the affected areas should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities,” said Ablonczy. “Our government works to advise and support Canadians to better ensure their safety and security while travelling abroad.”

Heavy rains and strong winds are forecast, and flooding and mudslides may occur. Services that may be affected include telecommunications, transportation, emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies. The Government of Canada’s Travel Report for the United States advises against any non-essential travel to the U.S. east coast from North Carolina to Massachusetts.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the east coast of United States, from Little River Inlet in North Carolina northward to Sagamore Beach in Massachusetts. This includes Pamlico, Albemarle, Currituck Sounds, Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay south of Drum Point, New York City, Long Island, Long Island Sound, coastal Connecticut and Rhode Island, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The U.S. National Hurricane Centre in Miami has issued advisories for Hurricane Irene. As changes to the forecast and local conditions are continuous, Canadians should visit the U.S. National Hurricane Center for the latest updates.

Hurricane Irene is expected to sweep the Atlantic coast of the United States, beginning August 26, 2011. Heavy rains and strong winds will likely affect transportation routes and telecommunication systems. Flooding and mudslides may occur. Other services that may be affected include emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies. Canadians are advised to avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected regions. Canadians residing in or travelling to the affected areas should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Air Canada has issued travel alerts for flights to the Maritimes, eastern United States and to the southeastern United States. Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy for customers booked on affected flights to facilitate changes to bookings. Those customers wishing to make alternate travel arrangements can do so without penalty, space permitting, using our online rebooking tool: check your alternate travel options currently available; re-book yourself and check in before arriving at the airport.

Prior to leaving for the airport, please check your Flight Status, or call Air Canada’s automated flight information system at 1-888-422-7533.

Alternatively, you can contact Air Canada Reservations toll free in Canada and the U.S. at 888-247-2262; TTY: 1-800-361-8071 or Air Canada Reservations worldwide. Due to increased call centre volume, wait times may be longer than usual.

Hurricane Irene is expected to affect travel to Newark and Bermuda. This may cause the delay or cancellation of WestJet flights to and from Newark and Bermuda. We advise all guests travelling to or from Newark and Bermuda between August 28 – 29 to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport.

Additional updates will be posted as they are available.

WestJet is proud to offer a hurricane travel promise to our guests. When WestJet issues a hurricane travel advisory, guests travelling with WestJet to and from the affected area will be eligible for flexible exchange and refund rules.

WestJet.com (air only) guests who wish to make alternate flight arrangements may do so without penalty, based on availability, by calling 1-800-538-5696.

urricane Irene – Newark and Boston Cancellations Saturday August 27th & Sunday August 28th – Advisory for Newark, Boston, Moncton, Halifax

Due to forecasted weather conditions, all Newark and Boston flights are cancelled on Sunday, August 28.

Porter Airlines advises all passengers to confirm their flight status prior to arriving at the airport. Further delays and cancellations may occur.

Passengers can check flight status details below and make inquiries about flight changes, based on availability, by phoning the Porter call centre at 888-619-8622, weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, and weekends from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Please be patient as high call volumes may cause longer than average wait times.

Standard fees will be waived for itinerary changes or cancellations in the event of hurricane-related schedule revisions. Refunds will be applied as Porter credit for flights within 12 months. New reservations are subject to available rates at the time of booking.

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