Metro Vancouverites headed to the Caribbean this week may need to rethink their travel plans.
According to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Centre (NHC), Tropical Storm Rafaelis currently located just west of Jamaica; it is expected to reach "near hurricane" intensity when it passes near or over the Cayman Islands on Tuesday night (Nov. 5).
Tropical storm conditions are expected in Jamaica and the Lower and Middle Florida Keys through Tuesday.
The NHC has issued a hurricane warning for Cuba and the Isle of Youth for Wednesday when Rafael is expected to produce a life-threatening storm surge and destructive waves.
Rafael is expected to bring heavy rain to portions of the Western Caribbean through early Thursday, including the islands of Jamaica and the Cayman, as well as parts of western and southern Cuba.
The NHC warns mudslides and flash flooding are possible along higher terrain in Cuba and Jamaica.
Cuba is struggling after an energy crisis and the previous hurricane
Last month, Cuba's schools and workplaces were forced to close after an island-wide blackout left them without power for days. The blackout's impact went beyond lighting, as services like water supply also depend on electricity to run pumps.
The Canadian government upgraded its Cuba travel advisory in the wake of the crisis, advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution due to "shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel."
Following the country-wide power outages, Hurricane Oscar battered the country's eastern coast, leaving six dead and worsening the energy crisis.
Are flights from Vancouver to Cuba or Jamaica cancelled?
Travellers departing from Vancouver on connecting flights to Cuban or Jamaican cities such as Varadero or Havana in Cuba or Montego Bay or Kingston in Jamaica should check the weather at their destination and their connecting city.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) does not currently show cancelled flights to Cuba or Jamaica but flights to these destinations involve one or two connections and YVR's information would not show these delays or cancellations.
Many flights to these Caribbean hot spots connect through Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Like YVR, the Toronto airport updates its departures page with delays and cancellations.
Travellers should always purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan before buying tickets. Travel insurance providers cover everything from missed connections to lost or damaged bags, medical emergencies to natural disasters, and more. However, a missed step in the process could result in travellers not getting paid their claims.
Air Canada's hurricane policies
Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy enabling customers travelling on flights to Kingston or Montego Bay in Jamaica on Nov. 5 or Varadero, Cuba on Nov. 7 to make changes to their booking without penalty, space permitting. These travellers could be affected by tropical storm Rafael.
Travellers with affected flights can retrieve and change their bookings for free. If you purchased a holiday with Air Canada Vacations, contact them directly at 1-800-296-3408.
Air Canada guests are automatically signed up to receive flight notifications to their mobile devices or by email. You can update your preferences online.
Canada's flag carrier has also introduced flexible change policies for flights impacted by winter operational conditions. Wintry conditions may affect flights to Calgary, Edmonton, and Regina's airports on Tuesday.
WestJet's hurricane policies
WestJet is offering a one-time waiver for changes or cancellations for travellers with flights to or from Kingston or Montego Bay in Jamaica on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The airline is also offering a one-time waiver for changes or cancellations for travellers with flights to Varadero, Cuba on Wednesday and Thursday.
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If you change your destination, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.
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If you change to a different cabin, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.
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Travel must be completed within 60 days of the original departure date.
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If you cancel your booking, the funds will be refunded or credited based on the fare class booked; Basic will receive travel credit.
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If you cancel your booking, any portion paid with WestJet dollars, Travel Bank credit or a WestJet rewards companion voucher will be returned to your account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
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If you cancel your booking, any portion paid with WestJet dollars or a WestJet rewards companion voucher that has expired or is expiring within 60 days will be reinstated with a new expiry date of 60 days from the date of reinstatement.
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Any portion paid with WestJet dollars or Travel Bank credit will be returned to your account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
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A change or cancellation must be requested more than two hours before departure.
Customers with WestJet Vacations packages booked to either destination on the applicable dates can also enjoy a one-time waiver for changes and cancellations.
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If you change your booking, the difference in package price applies and is subject to availability.
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If you cancel your booking, the amount paid will be placed into a WestJet Vacations Future Travel Credit that is valid for two years. A $200 hotel penalty per person will be deducted from the total.
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To make changes to an existing WestJet Vacations booking, customers should contact the airline directly.
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