Hurricane Beryl has prompted airlines to cancel over 1,600 flights on Monday as the storm threatens the Texas Gulf Coast with heavy rain and high winds. These cancellations have disrupted travel in various parts of the United States, particularly in coastal cities of Texas.

The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm made landfall overnight as a Category 1 hurricane, causing significant damage in Jamaica before moving on to Mexico. Flight cancellations occurred in Cancun International Airport and Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport over the weekend.

Houston's two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), experienced the highest number of flight disruptions. As of 4:30 p.m. EDT on Monday, nearly 600 flights had been canceled at IAH, accounting for 90% of departures. Southwest Airlines, the major carrier at HOU, had over 80% of departures canceled.

United Airlines, operating a significant hub in Houston, leads among U.S. airlines with close to 500 canceled flights, approximately 16% of its operations. Southwest Airlines follows with more than 340 cancellations, making up around 7% of its Monday schedule.

Airlines have issued travel alerts for key airports in Texas, including Houston and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), as well as San Antonio International Airport (SAT). These alerts provide customers with flexibility for itinerary changes, even for passengers with restrictive tickets.

The flight disruptions in the United States follow a record-breaking day on Sunday, with the Transportation Security Administration screening over three million passengers. However, more than 600 flights were canceled on Sunday as well.

As the storm continues to affect travel, passengers are advised to stay updated with National Weather Service warnings and local authorities before heading to the airport. It is recommended to download the airline's app to monitor flight statuses and rebooking options in case of itinerary changes.

Passengers should also familiarize themselves with their rights as flyers. Under the U.S. Department of Transportation policy, individuals are entitled to a refund for the unused portion of their trip if their flight is canceled or significantly delayed. Travel insurance or trip protections through credit cards may also help in recouping any incurred costs, but these usually need to be purchased prior to the storm being named.

Furthermore, travelers planning to fly on Tuesday should be prepared for potential disruptions, as about 100 flights have already been canceled for July 9, including several from Houston's Intercontinental Airport.

The effects of Hurricane Beryl on the Texas Gulf Coast highlight the importance of being vigilant and prepared when severe weather threatens air travel.