Travel troubles continue as Southwest Airlines operates one-third of normal schedule; passengers impacted in Philadelphia

Philadelphia (WPVI) — After last week’s winter storm, Tuesday continued the massive air travel nightmare.

Many airlines had cancellations, but Southwest Airlines had the most. Airlines canceled 60% of flights nationwide on Tuesday, according to Flight Aware.

In a Southwest Airlines statement released Tuesday afternoon, the airline apologized to customers and employees for the ongoing multi-day ordeal.

Southwest Airlines is operating about a third of its normal flights for a few more days while trying to get back on track.

Chuck Baum is on his way home to Nebraska. However, when he was about to check in, he learned that the southwestern flight departing from Philadelphia International Airport had been cancelled.

“I mean, we’re pretty much stuck here,” said Baum. “They gave us some vouchers, but the next flight we can leave from here is Saturday.”

About 80% of Southwest flights on Tuesday were canceled at Philadelphia International Airport, according to Flight Aware.

The ticketing counter was fairly quiet, with the exception of a few passengers who thought their flight was about to take off but it didn’t.

“I was checking my phone to see if my flight had been cancelled, but there was no notification or update, so I found out when I was about to leave,” said Evelyn Campbell. rice field. of Chicago.

Poor planning, bad luck, organizational challenges — why is Southwest Airlines really canceling flights?

An airport spokesperson said all flight issues would be handled directly by the airline, but things could get back on track later this week as other airports affected by the severe weather resumed operations. I added that I should return to.

“Today it looks better than it did last weekend or weekend. I think it will be better this weekend or the weekend if the weather improves,” said Public’s Heather Redfern of Philadelphia International Airport. Affairs manager.

The Greg family eventually rebooked on another airline and made it to their destination.

“To be honest, the only one that seems to be canceling flights is the Southwest,” said John Gregg, who had just arrived in Philadelphia from Tampa Bay, Florida.

“Honestly, I never want to fly again,” said Greg.

President Joe Biden tweeted Tuesday that his administration is working with the Department of Transportation to hold airlines accountable.

In response to an inquiry from Action News, a Southwest spokesperson advised people to submit receipts for canceled flights to consider refunds.