Airlines are helping passengers make alternative travel plans

(CNN) -- As Hurricane Georges threatens south Florida, many people with pending travel plans are thinking twice about whether they should go. No one can save your trip from getting waterlogged and windswept, but the airlines are making it easy to change your plans, if you're holding tickets.

Airlines are helping passengers re-book their flights, and most carriers say they will waive penalties and any difference in fares.

A hurricane warning is now in effect for south Florida and the Florida Keys, where Georges is expected to strike Friday afternoon. Authorities in the Keys said visitors will not be allowed back until the storm had passed and an analysis of the tourist infrastructure was complete. Beginning Saturday afternoon, visitors can check the status of the Keys tourism picture by calling 1-800-FLA-KEYS or visiting the Keys web site.

Those travelers headed to Florida despite the storm should check with their airline and travel agent first for updated schedules.

"Typically, we'll instruct them on the best way to approach trying to ... get a refund, or if they are still going to go, what precautions to take," said John Snyder of WorldTravel Partners.

Meanwhile, carriers are keeping a close eye on Georges and changing or canceling flights depending on conditions. Many have already scaled back or canceled service to the Caribbean.

Even once the storm passes, it can have a ripple effect -- backing up flights along airlines' hub systems and stranding passengers. When that happens, the airline has no responsibility to provide compensation or lodging; it only has to get you on another flight.

If your flight is canceled, go directly to a pay phone and get booked on the next flight out on that airline or another so you don't have to wait in line at the ticket counter.

CNN TravelGuide Correspondent Stephanie Oswald contributed to this report.