Hurricane Irma Price Gouging Rumors: Delta, Disney Accused of Overcharging Residents
Amid Florida's battle against Hurricane Irma, certain companies have been called out for charging stranded residents high prices. Delta Airlines and Disney are among the few accused of price gouging.
Disney World in Florida or the "happiest place on earth" as the company would call it have been accused of price gouging by their hotel guests, who were stuck in the area as Hurricane Irma. They allegedly sold over priced drinks and snacks to their stranded guests.
At the Disney Art of Animation Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, small Dasani-branded water bottles were being sold for $2 while Minute Maid juice boxes were priced at $2.69.
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A twitter user, whose friends were stranded at the hotel, took to Twitter to express her disappointment with the House of Mouse.
A Disney spokeswoman addressed the issue saying that it was an "over-anxious cast member" who posted the pricing details after scrambling to cater to the needs of those who were stranded. She added that discounted prices of food and beverages have been offered and that Disney is even donating pillows, blankets, and sheets to the American Red Cross. Earlier this week, Delta was slammed for raising ticket prices from $547 to $3,200.
A resident who was trying to evacuate called the company out for price gouging.
In a statement, Delta addressed the controversy, saying that they have "capped one-way fares in all cabins at $399 for flights to and from southern Florida." This will be available until Sept. 13.
Throughout the past week, more residents have complained about airlines taking advantage of the emergency situation. Residents can dial 866-9-NO-SCAM to report such instances.
Irma, the strongest ever recorded hurricane in the Atlantic, hit Florida on Sunday, Sept. 10.
