Busy 4th of July travel weekend kicks off with hundreds of delayed flights in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – There have been hundreds of delayed flights at Orlando Worldwide Airport to kick off the chaotic Fourth of July vacation weekend.

As of Friday evening, there were being all over 350 delayed flights at Orlando Worldwide Airport. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority claims most of the delays have been because of to lightning and climate, but other things can aspect in like mechanical troubles, crew rotations, and unruly travellers.

Some persons determined to reserve their flights house from Orlando earlier understanding there could be potential for delays and cancelations.

“We really resolved to fly back again before to prevent the rush and delays,” one particular passenger reported.

Jenn Lee with Journey Planners International says staffing shortages are a significant element of the situation. She claimed when the pandemic strike, airport employees, Transportation Protection Administration workers, airline workers, and pilots have been laid off, and it can be been really hard to get persons back. And in Central Florida, the weather conditions makes it worse.

“It’s a serious issue,” reported Lee. “And you blend it with the rain and temperature, and it places all people behind.”

Lee states persons have been provided everywhere from hundreds to 1000’s of bucks to improve their flights on overbooked planes. 

“We have heard insane [stories] $1,000, $10,000, to just get off the aircraft to just volunteer to test to get a lot more persons, property or to their places,” stated Lee. “It would not shock me if you listened to of people today scheduling flights in hopes that they’d get bumped off and get some dollars. And it’s very likely. It’s our Fourth of July weekend, and it’s heading to be incredibly hectic out there.”

Lee is recommending reserving your flight two times before your impending function, like a marriage or cruise, if you can, due to the fact there is a superior chance you are going to experience delays.

“Our vacation advisors are telling people to ebook two days prior to what they believe they may require. And to be ready to be delayed a total working day afterward,” explained Lee.