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Crowds were still lined up at Bradley International Airport Monday evening, but not nearly as many as were lined up earlier in the day. There were a lot of frustrated fliers. Many just wanted to get home. Airport officials say this is the busiest they have seen this airport in more than 10 years.
Holly Shewchuk is devastated after spending $7,000 for 2 tickets on a Hawaiian cruise she can't get to. Shewchuk: "TWA said they cannot get us out of here until Saturday. My cruise is to the Hawaiian islands. By Saturday it's over." It seems everyone in line is ready to tell a frustrating story. Yesterday's storm meant a lot of travelers could not get out. That, combined with nasty weather in the Midwest, made the airport very crowded today. Rebecca Gibbons, Dallas, TX: "I was supposed to leave Saturday for Dallas. When I got here they told me that the layover to Chicago was cancelled, so they said you can try us Sunday." But yesterday Bradley closed for 4 1/2 hours. Many passengers were told to come back today. Many feel the airlines should pay for hotels and meals, but that's just not the way it works. Stacey Andersen, Sanditz Travel: "You're basically at the mercy of the airlines due to weather. They have to accommodate you on the next available flight."
Al King, Tucson, AZ: "Everyday I'm here I lose a day's pay. I'm incurring kennel fees for my dog, parking fees at the airport. So I figure the delays have cost me $250 minimum." Natosha Wells, New Orleans: "I'm tired. I don't know if I should change airlines or what." If you do purchase a ticket on another airline, you are responsible for paying it. The original airline is not responsible. Most ticket agents were doing what they could, but if you have a complaint, the FAA offers these guidelines:
©1999 WTNH-TV |
Bradley Packed with Stranded Passengers
Sunday's bad weather delayed and cancelled flights in and out of Bradley International Airport for hours. The lines at ticket counters seemed like they stretched for miles as people try to get where they're going.
All weekend ticketholders were told to cool their heels as they fight long lines.
So what's a paying ticket holder to do?
Holly Shewchuk, New Hartford: "I've been saving for 2 years for this trip and now the guy just said go home, there's nothing we can do. They won't try to look for another airline to put me on."
But as many travellers found out, the next available flight may not be on that day, which costs travelers in both time and money.