What to Do If You’re Traveling to or From LA During the Wildfires

Wildfires raging through Los Angeles and nearby areas have triggered significant travel disruptions. Navan data reveal that 31% of flights to LA with a start date in January — plus an additional 13% in February — have been canceled or voided. For travelers looking to alter their plans, here’s some practical advice to help you adjust your travel while approaching the situation with compassion and care.

Stay Informed

The wildfire situation can change rapidly, so staying updated is essential. Check reliable sources for real-time information on fire zones, air quality, and evacuation orders. Here are a few resources to bookmark:

• Cal Fire: For updates on active fires and containment efforts
• National Weather Service: For weather forecasts and air quality updates
• AirNow: For real-time monitoring of air quality

These tools can help you make informed decisions about your travel plans and personal safety.

Check Your Flight Status

If you have upcoming flights to or from Los Angeles, it’s critical to closely monitor the status of them.

Several airlines are offering flexible flight policies during this time, making it easier to adjust your travel plans if that is an option.

Airlines often delay or cancel flights due to poor air quality or operational concerns. In case of cancellations, many airlines waive change fees during emergencies, allowing you to rebook without additional costs.

Take Advantage of Flexible Hotel Policies

Hotels in California are stepping up to support those displaced by the ongoing wildfires by offering free or discounted stays to affected individuals and families. Hilton and American Express have partnered to make 20,000 hotel room nights available at no charge, and smaller boutique hotels like Oliver Hospitality’s Station House Inn in South Lake Tahoe and Lodge at Marconi in Marshall are providing up to five complimentary nights for wildfire evacuees, with stays valid through January 31, 2025. Discover Los Angeles maintains a directory of properties offering relief accommodations in partnership with the Hotel Association of Los Angeles.

If you already have a reservation, you might be wondering about your options. Many hotels are offering increased flexibility during this time, allowing guests to cancel or rebook without penalties. If you’ve booked accommodations in or near affected areas, contact your hotel directly to discuss their cancellation policies or available assistance.

Consider Ground Travel

Wildfires often cause road closures, traffic delays, and detours. Avoid non-essential travel in the area to allow emergency services to operate efficiently.

If you must drive, keep a full fuel tank and pack an emergency kit. Check the latest road conditions using apps like Google Maps or Waze, which provide real-time updates on closures.

Protect Your Health

Wildfire smoke can significantly affect air quality, even in areas far from the fire itself. Consider taking the following precautions:

• Wear an N95 mask: These masks can filter out harmful particles in the air. Cloth or surgical masks won’t offer the same level of protection.
• Stay indoors: If possible, stay inside with windows and doors closed. Use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality.
• Monitor your health: If you experience symptoms like difficulty breathing or prolonged coughing, seek medical attention immediately.

For those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, it may be safer to postpone travel until the air quality improves.

How Navan Can Help

At Navan, the safety and well-being of our travelers remain our top priority. We are here to assist in any way we can:

• Customer success managers: Our dedicated customer support managers are available to provide personalized assistance for all affected travelers.
• Support agents: Navan’s travel agents are here to help ensure prompt responses and efficient solutions for urgent travel needs.
• Duty of care map: Our duty of care map allows travel administrators and managers to quickly identify and contact employees in affected areas to offer timely help and guidance.

Closing Thoughts

You can navigate travel disruptions with minimal stress by staying informed, flexible, and prepared. Look for reliable updates, lean on support resources, and don’t hesitate to adjust your plans if needed.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires in LA. If you are a Navan traveler needing immediate support or have concerns about upcoming travel, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Navan is committed to standing by your side and helping you navigate this difficult time.