Airlines Cancel or Delay Over 12K Flights, Stranded 1000s of Spring Break Travelers
Americans antsy to break out of their lockdowns and enjoy a real spring break are now spending their vacations on airport floors, stranded by storms and technical issues that have led to over 12,000 canceled or delayed flights across several airlines this weekend.
Because of storms in Florida and a technology issue, Southwest Airlines was the hardest hit in terms of the number of flights. The airline canceled 520 Saturday flights, or 14% of its operation, and 398 Sunday flights.
Thunderstorms are especially challenging for airlines because they are harder to predict and plan for compared with other weather like winter storms and hurricanes, during which airlines often cancel flights hours if not days in advance.
We are experiencing flight disruptions across our network today due to briefly pausing our service earlier this morning as we worked to resolve an intermittent technology issue, as well as ongoing weather challenges impacting multiple areas within our system. (1/2)
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) April 2, 2022
More than 65,000 American Airlines customers, including those on regional airlines, were impacted by the disruptions on Saturday, according to an internal tally. About a third of cancellations were tied to a lack of crew availability. Budget airline Spirit, which has its headquarters and largest hub in Fort Lauderdale, has had the highest percentage of weekend cancellations. The airline canceled 27% of its Saturday flights and so far has canceled 27% of its Sunday flights, according to flight tracker FlightAware.
This is the scene in ATL right now… my @Delta flight got canceled with no explanation, they rebooked us on flights tomorrow with layovers all over, didn’t give us any hotel or other voucher/credit for tonight, and they don’t even know where my bag is… pic.twitter.com/UreTXN8zwL
— Camelia Malkami (@CMalkami) April 3, 2022
Several other airlines reported problems as well. JetBlue Airways canceled 25% of its Sunday flights after canceling 15% of its flights on Saturday, according to FlightAware. American Airlines canceled 364 Saturday flights and 211 Sunday flights, which a spokesperson also blamed on the Florida storms.
Southwest Airlines is completely grounded. No one can check in or get their Luggage, all flights ALL FLIGHTS CANCELED pic.twitter.com/TR87LdnUZJ
— MrsBarnes (@positivity_won) April 3, 2022
The airline waived fare differences for affected customers so they can rebook themselves online without waiting on the phone, a spokesman said. The airline started the day with about 400 cancellations because aircraft and crews were out of position after Saturday’s weather, the spokesman added. But at least one Twitter user reported canceling a $350 round-trip plane ticket only to be forced to shell out for a rental car at nearly twice the price when she couldn’t find a flight.
One @SouthwestAir passenger told me the airline couldn't get her another flight until Monday. So she paid $$$ for a last-minute ticket on @Delta, to a different airport with a 3.5 hour drive after landing. https://t.co/ErVuxuPU6u
— Dawn Gilbertson (@DawnGilbertson) April 3, 2022
To add even more stress to an industry already stretched thin, some employees are now also on strike. On Sunday, more than 500 American mainline flights were canceled or delayed, while Delta had 41 canceled flights and 366 delayed. Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines pilots have picketed at airports in recent weeks as their unions push carriers’ management for better pay and more predictable schedules.
My father in law’s funeral is tomorrow and we can’t get there because Alaska airlines has crews who did not show up to to work so our flight is canceled and they can’t get us there! Come on @AlaskaAir. This is horrific for a family trying to say goodbye to our dad.
— Robyn D (@remdold) April 1, 2022
On Friday, Alaska Airlines canceled more than 100 flights and close to 80 more on Saturday. Some of its pilots had picketed at several West Coast airports Friday over a lack of progress in contract negotiations with the airline. “Alongside other carriers, we continue to be impacted by a national pilot shortage and the required training regimen to bring new pilots on board,” the airline said in a statement, which did not mention the pickets.
Alaska Airlines canceled dozens of flights on the West Coast after off-duty pilots went on strike due to stalled contract negotiations. The airline and the union have been at an impasse for almost three years. pic.twitter.com/CM0Sd5EHYG
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) April 2, 2022