Earl changing travelers' plans

Hurricane Earl is barreling down on the East Coast, changing travel and vacation plans for thousands of travelers.

News 13 spoke with officials at Orlando International Airport, who were not reporting any delays or cancellations Thursday night.

However, some airlines have already cancelled flights for Friday.

Travelers told News 13 they had mixed feelings about Earl and the headache he could cause.

"He opened the door in the middle of the hurricane and went to step out and he went away, but I grabbed him the last second," said Paul Hansen, who is flying back to New York.

Hansen remembers Hurricane Frances all too well. His grandson was almost swept away by the wind.

Hansen is headed home after vacationing with his wife and grandkids.

"I'm not really all that worried, because it's not here now,” Hansen said. “Hopefully we'll climb over it because we're landing in New York."

Airlines are worried about delays and cancellations. Many are allowing people re-book their tickets in the next seven days for no extra cost.

But not everyone is anxious to get back home.

Michael Harper flew in from Baltimore to surf in Cocoa Beach.

"Super stoked! You’re talking about 20-foot waves and one of the best beaches in the world," Harper said.

Harper said coming from Maryland, a state now on alert for Earl, the timing couldn't be better.

"It's like the positive, positive of both sides,” Harper said. “We get to get out of the way and catch some good waves."

Airlines are expecting some delays and cancellations, which will likely come Friday.

Therefore, you’ll definitely want to call ahead or check online.