Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new information.
The wildfires that are burning a tragic, devastating path across the greater Los Angeles area and have resulted in a loss of at least 2,000 structures and evacuation orders for at least 130,000 residents are also affecting those who had plans to travel from, to or through the area.
Many attractions are closed, and some local officials are urging visitors to stay away for now.
A number of flights to and from Southern California have been affected by the volatile conditions over the last few days, although the vast majority of those cancellations and delays involved Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). The airport situation has improved as of this most recent update at 10 a.m. EST on Thursday.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is not reporting a significant impact on travel operations from the wildfires at this time.
That said, most major airlines have issued travel waivers, and many attractions and parks are closed. Smoke and air quality are also ongoing concerns throughout Southern California.
Here’s what we know right now; expect updates with evolving or additional details as we get them.
Impact of Los Angeles fires on airport operations
One traveler flying to the Los Angeles area from Denver posted a video on X showing an overhead view of the Palisades fire burning. His flight was supposed to land at Burbank Airport but was instead diverted to LAX due to turbulence caused by the strong winds that helped fan the flames.
A flight passenger traveling from Denver to Los Angeles captured footage of the Palisades Fire tearing across neighborhoods as the plane was making its descent into Los Angeles International Airport. The plane was originally going to land in Burbank, but was diverted to LAX.… pic.twitter.com/Wdtb9vhOOb
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 8, 2025
According to data obtained on the website FlightAware, on Wednesday, 18% of flights taking off from Burbank Airport were canceled, and 16% were delayed. Ontario International Airport (ONT), which is about 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, reported about 10% of its flights were canceled. While 19% of flights at LAX were delayed Wednesday, there were minimal cancellations.
Thursday brought better news for air travel, with area airports reporting few delays or cancellations.
Airline waivers issued for the Los Angeles fires
Several airlines have issued region-specific travel alerts designed to offer some flexibility for people who had travel plans affected by the fires, whether that means they live in Los Angeles and are directly affected or would like to postpone travel to not add to the number of people in the city while it is dealing with this disaster.
Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines are allowing people who had flights booked to and from LA-area airports from Jan. 8-10 or 11, depending on the airline, to rebook by Jan. 15. Depending on the evolving situation on the ground, those time frames could be extended to include additional dates.
Impact of the fires on popular Los Angeles tourist attractions
For those who are already in the Los Angeles area or weighing the best course of action for a planned trip, note that many attractions in Los Angeles that make it one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. are closed.
The Getty Villa, part of the iconic J. Paul Getty Museum, has so far escaped the damage that has claimed more than 2,000 homes and buildings. However, that location will be closed through at least next week, while the Getty Museum in Los Angeles will remain closed through Sunday.
The world-renowned Griffith Observatory, which is close to the iconic Hollywood sign, is also closed. Some residents near the location in Griffith Park remain concerned that flames could reach the area and force evacuations there. Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures both closed their popular studio tours Wednesday, citing “strong winds and fire conditions.”
For the second day in a row, Universal Studios Hollywood, located in the San Fernando Valley, has also temporarily closed its doors, as has the surrounding shopping and entertainment center Universal CityWalk.
Out of an abundance of caution, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed on Thursday, January 9 as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions. pic.twitter.com/1nYCi4iqDU
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) January 9, 2025
Disneyland, which is in Orange County about 45 minutes from Pacific Palisades, where the worst of the wildfires is located, remains open, as does Knott’s Berry Farm. However, that may change depending on fire conditions, so if you have plans to attend either attraction, make sure to check for current updates before making the trip.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia also closed.
Due to high winds, Magic Mountain will remain closed today to ensure the safety of our guests and team members. All tickets purchased for today will be honored any other regular operating day through December 31, 2025. pic.twitter.com/Wl2bUwwYdQ
— Six Flags Magic Mountain (@SFMagicMountain) January 8, 2025
A list of additional affected shows, performances and attractions is being maintained by Discover Los Angeles.
Is it safe to travel to Southern California?
It is currently not safe to travel to a few parts of Southern California due to the multiple uncontained wildfires and evacuation orders that are in place. Not all of Southern California is affected, though, so you will need to listen to up-to-date recommendations from local officials and make the best decision for your specific situation.
It is important to note that smoke is a big issue for much of the region.
Local leaders are also asking people to stay off the roads if at all possible. “If there is not a good reason for you to be on the roads, we ask that you leave the roads open … as you can to the public safety professionals who have to do their work and will lead us out of this crisis,” said Los Angeles City Council member Marqueece Harris-Dawson.
L.A. Tourism shared the following statement with TPG:
“We are heartbroken to see the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. As this challenging and ongoing situation unfolds, our focus remains on the safety and well-being of residents, visitors and first responders in affected areas across our City. We urge everyone to stay informed through the Los Angeles Fire Department to follow all warnings and evacuation orders from first responders. Our hearts are with the members of our community during this difficult time. We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders who have worked tirelessly to combat the fires since they began on Tuesday.”
Will your credit card or trip insurance cover changes?
Some trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance policies will cover nonrefundable expenses, such as airfare, accommodation and activities, if you need to cancel your trip (or the remainder of your trip) due to a natural disaster like wildfires. However, credit card insurance policies are all very different, so check the benefits guide for the card you used to book your airfare for specific exclusions.
You must have booked your trip before the natural disaster starts in order to be covered. This means that if you booked a new trip today, it likely wouldn’t be covered due to the wildfires already being labeled a declared emergency.
If you need to file a trip cancellation or interruption claim:
- Check your credit card’s benefits guide to see if you are eligible for coverage and what the limits are.
- Call your credit card’s benefits administrator or start a claim online.
- Determine which documents you need to collect.
- Submit the documents within the required timeline.
Related: 4 times your credit card’s travel insurance can help with travel woes, and 7 times it won’t
Resources for those affected by the Los Angeles fires
Our hearts go out to those affected by the fires in California. For those looking for on-the-ground assistance, here are some resources regarding discounted places to stay as a result of this disaster:
- Discover Los Angeles has a good list of resources for locals, including codes for hotel discounts.
- Several hotels and resorts are offering displaced residents discounted stays. An additional list can be found on TravelAge West.
- Airbnb.org, in partnership with 211 LA, is offering temporary housing at no cost for eligible residents displaced by the recent wildfires. Space is limited, but you can fill out the form to start the process to see if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Residents in Los Angeles County who’ve been ordered to vacate their homes can get credit from Uber to get to an evacuation site. The $40 will only be valid for trips to an active shelter and by using the code “WILDFIRE25.”
- Lyft announced it will be offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips, to 500 customers from now until midnight Wednesday. Use the code “CAFIRERELIEF25” to get the promotion.
How you can help
If you want to help the people of Southern California during this disaster, there are various ways to do that, including some that leverage your existing points and miles.
- The American Red Cross has a California-specific donation page set up.
- World Central Kitchen is also on the ground. It has a dedicated page set up for donations for fire relief.
- Chase Pay Yourself Back is still offering bonus points on select charities such as the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen — with up to a 50% bonus on your points until March 31.
- You can also donate your points directly to charities. We’ve got a complete guide to making those donations.
We’ll update this story as we get more information.