The ANCHORAGE region, Alaska (KTUU) – The nightmare of travel continues across the nation as delays and flight cancellations are increasing. While the weather is clearing in Southcentral but the majority of Alaskans are struggling to make it home to their families.
Stoney Butler flew through San Diego through Seattle and was scheduled to arrive in Anchorage prior to Christmas. After three cancellations of flights and a number of delays, he finally reached his destination just four days later. He said the wait on the phone to make a change was at the very least an hour long.
“I had to be to this location on the 23rd around 5:45 (a.m.) and really late on 23rd of April,” Butler said. “So it was around four days I didn’t get to.”
Tristan Osborne traveled through Seattle and claims he had no problems getting to Anchorage However, he was concerned about getting back to his home in time.
“We weren’t sure when we’d arrive at all because of all the cancellations that flew into Seattle and we weren’t sure if we’d be able take away,” Osborne said. “I think everything worked out however we’re glad that it worked out because she’s going to work tomorrow, and I’ll have work on the following day.”
Alaska Airlines Spokesperson Tim Thompson states that they’re still having cancellations due to the incongruous aircraft and crews, caused by winter weather across the continent.
Alaska Airlines maintains that operations in Seattle and Portland have been improved in comparison to the past few days. They have confirmed that ground crews are trying to help passengers with bags. They have returned 1,000 bags as of Friday.
Thompson states that because of the hectic holiday season the load of flights is extremely large and accommodation options are limited. This is causing some people to not be able to celebrate the holiday with their families.
Sarah Swandell was planning to go back to her family for the holiday season, but her flight was cancelled.
“I was due to fly to meet the kids on Christmas Eve, but on the night prior, we received a message telling us that the flight had been cancelled. I was all alone on Christmas morning. My three-year-old was distant, far away” Swandell said.
As per the website for tracking flights Flight Aware, Ted Stevens International Airport was hit with a plethora delay on the Tuesday as well as seven cancellations. The numbers have improved since Monday, when there were 10 cancellations and 57 delays.
Whatever the length of the journey was, people are happy to get back to Alaska.
“And I’m finally able to meet them and enjoy an early Christmas,” Swandell said.
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