Continental Airlines are sparing customers a storm of fees waiving costs for people whose flight plans may be affected by Hurricane Earl.

With weather conditions expected to remain fierce, the airline has had to cancel and delay flights to the East Coast of the United States including trips to Newark Liberty International Airport in New York.

Continental Airlines confirmed that, “customers scheduled on flights to, from or through affected airports through 5 September 2010 are permitted a one-time date or time change to their itinerary without penalty providing rescheduled travel originated by 19 September 2010”.

“If a flight has been cancelled, a refund in the original form of payment may be requested.”

Some affected cities include Puerto Rico, Virginia, Richmond, Asheville, New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Providence.  

The hurricane described as large and dangerous by the National Hurricane Centre is ripping through the East Coast of America preventing airline operations in the area.

The Outer Banks Islands of North Carolina have commenced evacuation according to the Herald Sun.