Flying To FLL Friday . . . When Do Airports In FL Shut Down Due To Weather?
Jul 10th, 2013, 10:44 AM
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Flying To FLL Friday . . . When Do Airports In FL Shut Down Due To Weather?
Am scheduled to fly into FLL Friday night . . . Just as TS Chantal is scheduled to make an appearance, of course(!). Am curious . . . Airports in FL should be used to determining when it is - and is not - safe to operate during a tropical storm/hurricane . . . I know each weather scenario is unique, but are there any general rules as to when it becomes too unsafe for operations during a tropical event? Do airports in FL usually operate during low-grade tropical storms/waves? Thanks!
Jul 10th, 2013, 11:38 AM
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The FAA has regulations setting the minimum standards required for an airport to remain "open" during periods of inclement weather. When one or more of those conditions drop below the minimum standards, the airport closes. There's no way to predict now what conditions will be at FLL on Friday Night. If the airport is closed your flight will either remain o the ground at your departure airport or, if in the air, held in a holding pattern until the weather at FLL clears or you'll be diverted to a different airport.
Jul 10th, 2013, 12:09 PM
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The real question is whether or not the airline that you're flying will choose to cancel flights into FLL because of weather. In the overwhelming majority of instances when an airline cancels flights due to weather, the airport will have remained open.
Aug 20th, 2013, 02:21 PM
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As Don discussed the probability of airlines cancelling is greater than the airport being closed. The last thing an air line wants is a plane sitting on the ground being in a storm with lots of stuff flying around in the air because the plane has to be inspected before it can fly again. Money......
Aug 21st, 2013, 02:05 AM
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The other possibility is that, since it is an evening flight, cascading delays during the day may be such that your flight gets cancelled because of delays and equipment unavailability. Check on the airline website or call - often they will suspend change/cancellation charges prior to questionable weather. And if you are trying to catch a cruise, tour or connecting transportation I would be more nervous.
