Will Flights and High-Speed Trains Be Suspended During Typhoons? A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls When Traveling in Typhoon Season
Under the influence of typhoons, flights are widely canceled, high-speed rail services are suspended on certain sections, and ferry services are halted across the board. Plan ahead, rebook flexibly, and purchase insurance—always have a Plan B for travel during typhoon season.
"Suspension Thresholds" for Various Modes of Transport
| Mode of Transport | General Conditions for Suspension |
|---|---|
| Ferries/Maritime Routes | Earliest to suspend: Service halts when gusts reach Force 8-9; suspensions may occur even if the typhoon is hundreds of kilometers away |
| Flights | Takeoffs and landings become impossible when crosswinds exceed limits; widespread cancellations typically occur 6-12 hours before and after the typhoon's impact on the airport |
| High-Speed Rail | Speed restrictions or suspensions apply to sections where wind speeds exceed limits; coastal lines (such as the Hangzhou-Shenzhen Railway) are most sensitive |
| Metro (Above-ground Sections) | Surface and elevated sections may be suspended during Red Warning alerts |
| Expressways | Cross-sea bridges are closed first; mountainous sections face traffic controls to prevent landslides |
Three-Step Method for Assessing Travel Risks During Typhoon Season
- 3 Days Before Departure: Check real-time tracks and multi-agency forecasts on TyphoonSays to confirm the areas and time windows expected to be affected by the typhoon.
- 1 Day Before Departure: Airlines usually release cancellation plans and free rebooking policies one day before the typhoon's impact. Respond promptly to SMS notifications; even if you don't receive one, proactively check your flight status.
- On the Day: Even if the weather appears acceptable, verify transport conditions—peripheral effects of a typhoon (such as crosswinds) may be invisible but sufficient to cause flight diversions.
Rights for Rebooking and Refunds
- Flights canceled due to typhoons: Free refunds or rebooking are available. Airlines have clear policies, and no handling fees are charged.
- High-speed rail suspensions: Full refunds for tickets are available and can be processed within 48 hours.
- Note: For flights canceled due to typhoons, airlines generally do not provide compensation for accommodation or meals (force majeure). Coverage depends on delay insurance.
Recommended Insurance
When traveling during typhoon season, it is advisable to purchase travel insurance that covers flight delays/cancellations. Pay attention to clauses regarding "compensation for force majeure," as some products offer delay benefits for typhoon-related cancellations.
Destination Advice
When traveling to coastal areas of Hainan, Fujian, and Zhejiang, Okinawa (Japan), the Philippines, and other destinations during typhoon season (July–October), always check typhoon updates before your trip. If a typhoon is expected to affect your itinerary, reschedule as early as possible—being stranded in closed scenic areas or on islands with suspended ferry services is a far worse experience than simply changing your dates.