Travel advisors with clients traveling through the Gulf Coast this weekend should keep a close watch on Hurricane Isaias, which strengthened into the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season and is expected to reach the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday.
The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of about 80 mph Thursday, with additional strengthening possible before landfall. Current forecasts point toward the western Florida Panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi, where hurricane warnings are already in effect. The storm could bring dangerous storm surge, heavy rainfall, flooding and hurricane-force winds.
Airlines Issue Travel Waivers
The storm is already affecting travel plans, with major airlines issuing advisories for flights in the region.
Delta Air Lines has issued a waiver for travel Oct. 9-10 involving airports including Pensacola (PNS), Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS), Panama City (ECP), Mobile (MOB) and Gulfport-Biloxi (GPT), among others. Eligible travelers can change their flights without a change fee within the airline’s rebooking guidelines.
American Airlines is also waiving change fees for eligible passengers traveling Oct. 9-10 to, from or through several Gulf Coast airports. Southwest Airlines is warning that flights to and from Pensacola, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Panama City Beach and New Orleans could be delayed or canceled and is allowing eligible travelers to rebook without a change in airfare.
Cruise lines are actively tracking Isaias and adjusting itineraries for ships operating in the Gulf of Mexico and departing from regional Gulf ports over the weekend. Cruise passengers departing from Gulf ports should monitor their cruise line directly for potential changes to departure times, port calls or itineraries as conditions develop.
According to news sources, ships in the Gulf area over the weekend include Carnival Spirit, Margaritaville at Sea Islander, Radiance of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Carnival Paradise and Celebrity Summit.
