Airlines issue travel waivers for New Orleans flights after terrorist attack

Kelly Yamanouchi, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jan 1, 2025

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Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is allowing travelers with flights booked to, from or through New Orleans more flexibility to change their travel plans.

The airline in its notice on the waiver said it was being issued because travel may be affected due to “the security situation in New Orleans.”

A Texas man drove a truck into a crowd of people in New Orleans early Wednesday, authorities said, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 30. Investigators said they don’t think the man acted alone. The man was shot and killed by police at the scene after opening fire on officers, authorities said.

As a result of the attack, the Sugar Bowl was rescheduled for Thursday.

There appeared to be little disruption to flights at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Wednesday, according to FlightAware.com. Several extra New Orleans-Atlanta flights scheduled Thursday for people attending the Sugar Bowl have been rescheduled a day later due to the delay of the game, according to Delta.

Delta’s waiver allows people with New Orleans flight bookings for Jan. 1-3 to make flight changes without paying certain additional charges. Customers can also cancel their flights to get a flight credit.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, the second-largest carrier in Atlanta, also issued a waiver for New Orleans to offer increased flexibility. Southwest said its customers can rebook or travel standby on the same route within 14 days of their original travel date without paying additional charges.

United Airlines and American Airlines also issued travel waivers for New Orleans flights.