The Window Seat: News Flash: Travel Update for Caribbean and Mexico

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After pounding several Caribbean islands over the weekend, Hurricane Dean hit Mexico's Caribbean coast Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, according to USA Today. The hurricane was downgraded to Category 2, but is expected to regain strength as it heads towards central Mexico.

Travelers with plans to visit Mexico, especially the Yucatan Peninsula, should check with their hotel for information on rebooking. Most hotels and tour operators in impacted destinations will waive cancellation fees and allow travelers to rebook for a later date, based on availability. Customers with cruise itineraries that include Mexico ports will experience itinerary changes; check with your cruise line for updates and schedule changes. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Carnival Cruise Lines shifted the itineraries of six ships, while Royal Caribbean International changed at least two.

Island by Island Conditions
On Grand Cayman, Owen Roberts International Airport is open and the visitor restriction has been lifted. Visitors should check with individual properties for inofrmation on hotel opening status.

Jamaica was spared a direct hit by the hurricane and hotel damage was limited. Many hotels, particularly in western Jamaica, are fully operational. Montego Bay Airport is now open and ready to receive flights. Norman Manley Airport in Kingston is expected to open on Tuesday.

On Martinique, Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport is open. All island hotels are open, though some have suffered landscaping damage. No structural damage was reported.

On St. Lucia, both airports are open and hurricane damage was minimal.

On St. Kitts, airline service remains normal and all hotels are open. The island suffered very little impact from the storm.

Airlines
Travelocity customers whose plans to visit the Caribbean and Mexico have been impacted by the storm are encouraged to visit the Customer Care page for updates and information. Other travelers should check with their airline carrier on rebooking and refund policies associated with Hurricane Dean. See our list of airlines with flexible policies in place.

Air Jamaica
American Airlines
Caymen Airways
Continental Airlines
Delta
Frontier
Jet Blue
Mexicana
Northwest Airlines
Spirit Airlines
US Airways