Britons stranded after Irene pounds US

Around 9,000 flights, both domestic and international, were cancelled across the east coast as several states were pounded by Hurricane Irene.

More than 40 people have been killed, many by falling trees and debris.

Dozens of flights bound for Britain were cancelled when major airports, including New York’s JFK and Newark, were forced to close.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) estimates between 5,000 and 10,000 Britons are stranded in New York alone.

The Foreign Office is advising passengers to contact their tour operator or airline before travelling.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration all airports on the east coast of the US are now open with the exception of Teterboro which is due to open on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for British Airways told Channel 4 News the company is using bigger planes where possible and putting on two extra flights from the US to the UK to clear the backlog.

The spokesperson said there are no problems for people travelling across the Atlantic in the opposite direction.

He urged any passengers whose flights were cancelled over the weekend to call BA to arrange alternative travel.

Photo gallery: Irene batters US east coast

Virgin Atlantic told Channel 4 News it is operating a full flying schedule to and from the east coast of the United States.

A spokesperson said: “Additional seats will also be made available to ensure that the backlog of passengers away from home is cleared as soon as possible.”

On 29 August Virgin put on an extra flight from Heathrow to New York’s JFK. It is sending another flight to New York on Tuesday to fill with returning passengers on Wednesday.

It estimates that around 180 people are stuck in New York without a confirmed rebooking.

‘Annoying’

Jeannie Shapiro was due to fly from Heathrow to New York on Sunday with Virgin Atlantic to visit her elderly parents who are both unwell.

Her flight was cancelled and she says that the next flight offered to New York was on Friday 2 September.

Jeannie told Channel 4 News she understood why the original flight was cancelled but has been disappointed by Virgin’s response: “What is so annoying is that I called Virgin yesterday to see if any seats were available before Friday and was told ‘no’.”

She added: “I asked if we would be notified if any additional flights were to be put on and was told ‘no’ and that I would have to just keep checking with the airline. This morning, I see via Twitter that Virgin did in fact have a flight last night added to JFK.”

In response Virgin Atlantic told Channel 4 News the extra flight departing from Heathrow to JFK was a “relief flight” solely for repatriating people.

A spokesperson said: “We are focussing all our energy on a recovery plan to bring people back home. Additional seats are being made available to ensure that passengers away from home can travel as soon as possible.

“We would like to thank all our customers for their patience and understanding over the past couple of days. We want to offer our sincere apologies for any inconvenience that has been caused.”

Passenger advice

Passengers who have incurred extra costs caused by a cancelled flight from the US should contact their airlines.

The British Airways website says in the event of cancellation or delays “the operating carrier will provide hotel accommodation if necessary and provide transport between the airport and place of accommodation.

“Passengers will be advised of the arrangements for obtaining refreshments, transport and hotel accommodation, by the carrier.”

A statement on the Virgin Atlantic website said: “Passengers who are away from home can reclaim reasonable hotel and meal costs while they wait for their new flight to depart.”