Hurricane Milton: American Airlines Adds Seats, Flexibility

DALLAS — As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, American Airlines (AA) is taking proactive steps to assist customers in the affected region.

The airline is adding over 2,000 seats for departures from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) on Monday evening, October 7, and Tuesday morning, October 8. This move is designed to help customers evacuate before the storm hits.

Due to deteriorating local conditions, AA will suspend operations at both airports shortly after midnight on Tuesday, October 8. The airline is also closely monitoring other airports in Florida and may adjust operations based on the latest weather updates.

To aid in evacuation, AA has scheduled extra flights with the following details:

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

• AA9602: TPA to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – Airbus A321
• AA9609: TPA to CLT – Airbus A321
• AA9603: TPA to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – Boeing 737
• AA9606: TPA to DFW – Boeing 737
• AA9604: TPA to Miami International Airport (MIA) – Airbus A319 (Oct. 7), Boeing 737 (Oct. 8)
• AA9611: TPA to MIA – Boeing 737
• AA9605: TPA to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – Airbus A320
• AA9608: TPA to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – Boeing 737
• AA9612: TPA to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – Boeing 737
• AA9613: TPA to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – Boeing 737

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

• AA9614: SRQ to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – Airbus A320

Passengers on these additional flights can bring two checked bags free of charge. Flights can be booked by contacting American Airlines Reservations at 800-433-7300.

In addition, AA has issued a travel alert covering 12 airports in Florida, allowing travelers affected by Hurricane Milton to change their bookings without paying any change fees. Customers can reschedule their flights through the American Airlines website, mobile app, or by calling Reservations. They are also encouraged to stay informed about their flight statuses through these platforms.

For flights canceled or significantly delayed, passengers may cancel their bookings and request refunds through the airline’s website. Those who booked through a travel agent should contact the agency directly.

American Airlines continues to monitor Hurricane Milton, prioritizing the safety of customers and staff.