Are the California fires affecting airports, flights and tourist sites? What to know.
Multiple wildfires have burned swaths of the greater Los Angeles area, prompting evacuations and destroying thousands of homes.
The city's major airports are mostly unaffected, although Hollywood Burbank Airport is warning that there have been some flight impacts from the fire. Other tourist attractions in the city, like Universal Studios and the Getty Museum are also closed as a result.
Matt Ginella was one of the travelers who flew into Los Angeles International Airport as the fires continued to blaze.
Ginella left San José Mineta International Airport on a Delta flight Tuesday afternoon, heading to L.A. for work. As the plane took off, the pilot announced food and drink service would be suspended due to anticipated turbulence from the wind, he told USA TODAY.
As the flight approached L.A., Ginella said he could see the smoke from the window. The flight was bumpy, but the landing "wasn't bad."
"As we flew through it, it was eerie," he added. "From clear skies to a brown cloud, the smell of smoke was faint but noticeable in the cabin."
Travelers along the West Coast should keep an eye out for airline alerts and check for updates from places they may be planning to visit around L.A.
Are airports affected by the Palisades fire?
Los Angeles International Airport said it does not expect any operational impacts from the fire. Hollywood Burbank International Airport said in a statement on social media that weather conditions were affecting flights.
According to FlightAware, about 18% of flights out of Burbank were canceled as of 1:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Some travelers heading to and from the L.A. area have experienced delays and cancellations due to the winds and fire. On Tuesday, Peter Krajewski flew from his home in L.A. to Las Vegas to cover the Consumer Electronics Show for work for the day. He was set to fly back to Los Angeles International Airport in the evening. However, his Southwest Airlines flight at Harry Reid International Airport was delayed and ultimately canceled due to the high winds, the traveler told USA TODAY.
"What made things crazy is that Las Vegas is currently hosting one of the largest conventions, the Consumer Electronics Show," Krajewski told USA TODAY. "This means that most hotel rooms were booked up, and those that were left were very expensive. Hence, many people ended up sleeping at the airport."
Krajewski was put on one of the first flights to LAX on Wednesday morning, which was briefly delayed due to air traffic in the LAX airspace.
Airline waivers
The following airlines have issued waivers for travel at select Los Angeles area airports. Check the details on each airline's website.
How the fire is affecting theme parks, tourist destinations
Flames have been threatening the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. The villa, which houses Greek and Roman art, will remain closed through Monday, Jan. 13. Additionally, the Getty Center and Getty Museum in Los Angeles will be closed Wednesday "in an abundance of caution and to keep roads clear in the surrounding areas," the museum posted on X.
Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles will also be closed Wednesday due to winds.
Universal Studios Hollywood, north of Hollywood, will be closed Wednesday due to the “extreme winds and fire conditions,” the park posted on X. Its neighboring shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, will also remain closed. Universal says it expects to reopen tomorrow but will continue to assess the situation, putting safety first.
Disneyland Resort remains open, but operational adjustments may be made due to weather conditions. Guests are advised to check Disneyland's free app for the latest offerings.
As of 1 p.m. ET, Knott’s Berry Farm appeared to be operating normally on Wednesday. USA TODAY has reached out for comment. Both Disneyland and Knott's are located in Orange County, about 45 miles from Pacific Palisades.
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