Photo via iStockPhoto.

Photo via iStockPhoto.

Given that what is likely the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history is headed towards Florida, some folks in the Sunshine State are currently trying to get out.

But the prices on some airlines are not making it easy.

American Airlines responded in a tweet that, “Fares will go up as flights sell out and it’s not unusual to see higher prices for the last few seats on a flight that is in high demand.”

And the price tag can go much higher than that. Last-minute prices out of Florida airports have catapulted to more than $3,000, the Miami Herald reports.

Florida state law prevents extreme increases in the cost of essential commodities, known as price gouging, during declared emergencies. But, as the Herald points out, the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation, not the state, regulate airlines.

Still, airlines say that this isn’t price gouging but instead the regular course of supply and demand, especially when it comes to last-minute tickets. “We have not changed our fare structures, and, in fact have added capacity to help get customers out of the affected areas,” American Airlines said in a statement.

At least one airline is taking precautions to prevent such a steep increase in price. JetBlue has capped direct flights out of Florida at $99 and connecting flights at $159, reports Yahoo Finance.

If you’re trying to get to Florida via plane, though, you’ll find that the prices are quite affordable.

Filed Under: airfare, airline, dca, hurricane irma,