Traveling in the LA region amid the wildfires: What you need to know
The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region have disrupted lives, businesses, and travel on an unprecedented scale. With flights being canceled, rerouted, or delayed, and air quality concerns affecting the region, travelers are facing significant challenges.
At Corporate Traveler, we understand how critical it is to provide calm, clear guidance during times of crisis. If you’re traveling in or around the LA region, here’s what you need to know—and how our team is here to help.
1. Expect flight disruptions and plan accordingly
Airports in the LA region, including Los Angeles International (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA), and Ontario International (ONT), have seen widespread delays and cancellations as airlines respond to operational and safety concerns. Many flights are being rerouted to other cities or grounded entirely due to poor air quality and crew availability.
“Right now, the best advice we can give is to confirm your flight status before leaving for the airport,” says Kristina Montaperto, Travel Manager from Corporate Traveler's LA office. “Don’t rely solely on automated updates—reach out directly to your airline or your travel manager to verify the latest information.”
If your flight has been canceled or significantly delayed, airlines may offer rebooking options, but not all waivers cover fare differences. Corporate Traveler’s travel managers are advocating on behalf of our clients to secure the most favorable options available.
“We understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate disruptions like these,” says Jason Rockwell, Team Leader of Corporate Traveler’s LA office. “Our team is here to assist clients facing delays or cancellations by securing priority access to alternative departures and holding availability when possible. Supporting travelers during emergencies is what we do best.”
Below are links to the latest information from major carriers:
- Delta Air Lines – Check Delta’s Travel Updates page for information on waivers, cancellations, and rebooking policies related to the fires.
- American Airlines – Visit American Airlines’ Travel Alerts page for details on affected flights and flexible travel options.
- Southwest Airlines – Southwest is issuing travel advisories; visit their Weather Disruptions page for updates.
- JetBlue Airlines – JetBlue’s Travel Alerts page provides rebooking policies and other updates for affected travelers.
- United Airlines – United Airlines has issued waivers for flights in and out of the affected region. Check their Travel Notices page for current details.
2. Prepare for ground transportation challenges
Wildfires and related road closures have created additional complications for travelers on the ground. Major highways and local roads around affected areas may be closed or severely delayed, and rideshare services may be limited.
Travelers should plan for extra time when heading to or from the airport and consider alternative transportation options if needed. Corporate Traveler’s team is available to assist with securing rental cars, private transfers, or other ground transportation arrangements to help minimize disruptions.
3. Protect yourself from smoke and poor air quality
The fires have caused hazardous air quality levels across much of Southern California. Whether you’re traveling through the region or staying nearby, it’s important to take precautions:
- Wear an N95 or KN95 mask, especially when outdoors or in transit.
- Limit outdoor exposure as much as possible.
- Monitor local air quality reports for updates.
“We’ve seen many travelers caught off guard by how quickly conditions can change,” says Candice Roberts, Travel Manager at Corporate Traveler. “Our travel managers are ready to provide updates and support wherever you are.”
4. Temporary housing and lodging options
For travelers displaced by the fires or those unable to reach their planned accommodations, finding temporary lodging can be a critical concern. Availability in the region may be limited due to increased demand, but there are options to explore:
- Hotel Assistance: Many hotels in the surrounding areas are offering discounted rates or flexible booking policies for those affected by the fires. Corporate Traveler’s travel managers can assist in identifying and securing available accommodations quickly.
- Alternative Lodging: Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo often list short-term rentals in unaffected areas. In times of crisis, some hosts also offer emergency housing at reduced or no cost—be sure to check the platform’s “Open Homes” or similar programs.
- Corporate Agreements: If your business has corporate lodging agreements, let your travel manager know so they can prioritize those networks to find temporary solutions.
- Nearby Cities: Consider lodging options in cities outside the immediate LA region where availability may be higher.
It’s also important to communicate directly with your planned accommodation to confirm their status. Some hotels may remain operational but have limited services due to staffing or safety concerns.
If you need assistance with lodging arrangements, don’t hesitate to reach out to your travel manager or Corporate Traveler’s 24/7 support team.
5. Use emergency travel support
At Corporate Traveler, we’re leveraging our reporting tools to proactively identify impacted travelers and reach out with solutions. If you haven’t yet heard from your travel manager, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly—we’re here 24/7.
To further ease the burden on travelers, Corporate Traveler is waiving all service fees for itinerary adjustments caused by the fires.
6. Stay connected and stay safe
If you’re currently in the LA region, follow local emergency alerts and evacuation orders closely. Safety comes first, and travel plans can always be adjusted later.
For the latest updates on the wildfires and safety information, please visit:
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection – Stay updated on fire conditions, evacuation orders, and recovery efforts, including the Palisades region.
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) – Provides real-time information about wildfire activity and response efforts nationwide.
We’re here to help
The LA fires are a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, leaving travelers and businesses scrambling to adapt. At Corporate Traveler, we’re committed to standing by our clients during these difficult times.
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the fires,” says John van den Heuvel, President of Corporate Traveler USA. “We understand the challenges our clients are facing right now, and our team is here to provide unwavering support—whether it’s rebooking, rerouting, or simply offering guidance through this crisis. We’re with you every step of the way.”
If your travel plans have been affected, contact your travel manager or our 24/7 support team for assistance with rebooking, rerouting, or cancellations.