United Airlines was accused of gouging prices for flights from airports along Florida's west coast as locals and tourists evacuated from Hurricane Milton before the massive storm made landfall Wednesday.
An X user named Jeremy posted a screenshot on Monday showing prices for a one-way flight on United Airlines from Tampa to St. Louis, scheduled to depart at 10 a.m. Tuesday, ranging from $1,174 to $2,531.
He compared the fares to those of rivals American Airlines and Southwest Airlines out of Tampa. According to screenshots posted, Southwest Airlines' flight was only $400, while American Airlines' flight to Chicago was about $600.
Meanwhile, a one-way flight on United Airlines from Tampa to St. Louis scheduled for next Tuesday, typically the cheapest day of the week to travel, costs just $341, according to the airline's website.
The Tampa airport was closed Tuesday as the city braced for a 15-foot storm surge from a Category 5 hurricane.
A United spokesperson told the Post that the screenshot posted online was “not a valid itinerary” because the airport was scheduled to close at 8 a.m.
A spokesperson said the airline is adding additional flights at other Florida airports while utilizing larger aircraft to accommodate passenger numbers.
“We are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and adjusting our schedule accordingly,” a spokesperson told the Post.
But when the Post searched for flights departing from nearby Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, One-way ticket to St. Louis An economy ticket on United Airlines costs $2,118. Delta's fare for the same route was $614.
Another X user named Erin posted a screenshot of the price of a United Airlines flight from Fort Myers to Newark on Tuesday.
According to Erin's screenshot, the cheapest ticket for the flight, which requires a layover in Chicago or Houston, was $1,023 per traveler.
“United Airlines is jacking up tickets for people fleeing Florida trying to escape the path of Hurricane Milton. This is a one-way trip for two people. How can this be allowed?”
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg wrote on his official account on social media platform X: We are closely monitoring flights to and from areas affected by Hurricane Milton to ensure that airlines are not charging excessively increased fares. ”
State law prohibits price gouging, or excessive price gouging, of essential goods during emergencies.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency over the weekend, and officials urged residents in the Tampa area to evacuate their homes in anticipation of Hurricane Milton.
Forecasters warned that 10 to 15 feet of storm surge was possible in Tampa Bay as evacuation orders were issued.
This is the highest ever predicted for the region and nearly double the level reached during Helen two weeks ago, said Maria Torres, a spokeswoman for the National Hurricane Center.
