Airlines changing, rebooking tickets to hurricane-affected Mexico

Airlines are allowing ticketed passengers affected by Hurricane John to change and rebook their tickets, and in some cases, obtain refunds.

* Policies vary, so call your airline or check its Web site for specifics.

* If you have a trip planned to Mexico's Pacific Coast in the next few days, contact your travel agent and/or call the hotel where you have booked to find out the latest conditions.

* To check on the status of flights scheduled in and out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, see www.portseattle.org/seatac.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines (www.alaskair.com) said it will waive change fees and other charges for those scheduled to travel through Friday to or from Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos if travel is rescheduled for on or before Sept. 21.

The airline is offering full refunds for those who don't want to travel or don't have new dates. For ticket changes, call 800-308-0101. Alaska Spokeswoman Amanda Tobin Bielawskisaid the airline so far hasn't had to cancel any of its flights to Mexico today, but that that could change if weather conditions warrant. An Alaska flight from Loreto, Mexico, to Los Angeles will make an extra stop in Los Cabos today to pick up passengers trying to leave the resort ahead of the storm, and one of the five regular flights departing Los Cabos today will be serviced by a larger aircraft to accommodate more passengers, she added.

Other airlines were following similar policies.

United Airlines (www.united.com) said it was waiving change fees for flights booked through Saturday to Acapulco, Cabo, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and other Mexican destinations.

Only customers on canceled flights were being given refunds. For those who have booked flights but not yet begun travel, the airline was allowing changes without fees. Rescheduled travel is subject to higher fares.

Continental Airlines (www.continental.com) said it would allow rescheduling with no fees for travel through Sept. 14 to and from Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Mazatlan and Ixtapa/Zihuantanejo. Refunds were being issued only if flights were canceled.

Expedia.com has a policy of waiving its own cancellation fees in the event of a hurricane watch or warning. It makes no promises about its travel partners, such as hotels and resorts, but says it will advocate on behalf of its customers. It was advising those who have booked through its Web site to call its help desk at 800-397-3342.

Times reporter Tyrone Beason also contributed to this report.