Flight cancellations left local travelers frustrated and stranded.
Southwest woes- Across the country and here locally at Pittsburgh International all of the airline’s 38 local flights were canceled, leaving many families trying to get home, stranded.
“As soon as we get there, we see lines down to terminals, people sleeping on the baggage claim things, there were no seats. It’s in a frenzy honestly,” said Elijah Hill, a stranded Southwest passenger.
Hill shared a video of the Orlando airport and said he and his extended family celebrated Christmas at Disney World – and were due back home to Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
“We went to all the Disney Parks, we had a good time and whatnot,” Hill said.
Until last night when he went to check in on his Tuesday morning southwest flight and saw his family’s flight was canceled without any warning.
“I just happened to pull up Twitter and Facebook, and I saw someone’s post saying that they were stranded in the airport and that Southwest Airlines canceled their reservation,” explained Hill.
Nationally Southwest has cancelled approximately 60% of its scheduled flights. Pittsburgh International saw 114 cancellations this week.
Hill indicated that his wife and two young children will be making the 15-hour drive home from Pittsburgh Wednesday morning.
“Hotel for one night just cost me $500. Renting a car is also possible for $800. That’s $1,300 right there out of my pocket,” Hill said.
“Travel insurance does provide some protection in these situations,” said Jenn Novotny, the owner of Upon a Star Travel & Concierge.
An agency that is local to Pittsburgh, has clients in Mexico, Florida, Texas. Owner Novotny is working to get her clients’ money back, and a safe return.
“Right now, it is essential for everybody to have a Plan B, during the season, whether or not there are airlines having issues [or not],” Novotny said.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has begun an investigation into Southwest to determine whether the company may be involved. [Southwest Airlines] could have prevented this and if it’s complying with its customer service plan.
Family like the Hills have to travel for a week.
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