Volcanic Ash from Recent Eruptions is Responsible for Flight Delays at Anchorage Airport (ANC)
Recent volcanic eruptions on the Aelutian Island Chain (the volcanos Kasatochi, Mt. Cleveland and Okmok) are causing flight delays and cancellations in Anchorage, Alaska (ANC). Recent flight delays center around a large ash cloud, which can be hazardous to aircraft. Many flights were cancelled yesterday (Monday) but they are resuming today, but flight delays may occur for the next few days depending on the weather and volcanic activity. Airlines with flight effected include Alaskan Airlines, United, US Airways, Continental and Delta.
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US Airways has posted a travel advisory on its website with a revised ticket polity with waived fees for changes and other ticketing described in the adisory below from the US Airways website:
Volcanic Ash Anchorage
Cities Affected:
Anchorage, AK (ANC)
Date Range:
8/11/2008 4:30 PM ET through 8/17/2008 11:30 PM ET
Revised Ticket Policy:
US Airways has relaxed ticketing policies for these markets, which may be affected by bad weather. US Airways will waive the standard change fee, advance reservation and ticketing requirements for customers with travel to, from or through these markets on the dates above. See our revised ticketing policy below for rules and restrictions. Call 800-428-4322 for more information.
If US Airways service continues to operate to the affected destinations, you can make certain changes without incurring the standard change fee, advance reservation or ticketing requirements:
* You can move your entire itinerary up to seven days before or after the scheduled origination date.
* You can apply the full value of your wholly unused tickets toward the purchase of a ticket to an alternate destination, although travel must originate within seven days of the scheduled origination date.
Terms and Conditions:
Customers traveling on certain tickets – such as some available from third-party ticket discounters, including but not limited to discount travel websites – may not have all elements of the policy available to them. Tickets issued by US Airways for travel on airlines other than US Airways, US Airways Shuttle or US Airways Express will follow the rules of the airline operating the flight(s).
Itinerary changes are subject to availability, and in certain cases, an additional collection fee. Customers will be able to stand by for alternate flights without incurring the standby fee if a satisfactory alternate itinerary cannot be confirmed.
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If your travel plans include Anchorage Airport (ANC), they it is adviseable to check on the status of your flight prior to heading to the airport. Also, check you airline's website for the most recent updates and polies.
Remember - if you eXpect delaYs you can prevent them!
-Happy Travels!
-Gus
[source: Anchorage Daily News Aug 12, 2008, US Airways Website Aug 12, 2008)
