The holiday travel season has kicked off with significant challenges for South Florida airports, impacting thousands of passengers as they embark on their Christmas journeys.
Both the Miami International Airport (MIA) and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) have experienced numerous delays and a few cancellations, notably on the Saturday before Christmas.
According to reports from Telemundo 51, by 8:30 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, there were 265 delayed flights and 11 cancellations recorded.
Airlines most affected include United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, and JetBlue.
Among the destinations experiencing the most delays are Newark Liberty (EWR), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
Similarly, Miami International reported 275 delays and three cancellations during the same timeframe.
The airlines hit hardest at MIA are American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue.
Flights to destinations such as London Heathrow (LHR), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) faced the most significant issues.
Airport authorities and airlines are advising travelers to check their flight status before leaving home, arrive earlier to accommodate security procedures, and enable alerts on the airlines' official apps for real-time updates on schedule changes and potential cancellations.
The congestion is not only a result of the traditional holiday passenger surge but also highlights the logistical challenges faced by South Florida airports with the massive flow of both domestic and international flights.
This situation is expected to persist beyond Christmas, making patience and proactive planning crucial for travelers.
Travel Tips During Holiday Delays
What airlines are most affected by delays?
The airlines most impacted include United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, and JetBlue.
Which destinations are experiencing the most delays?
Destinations like Newark Liberty, Toronto Pearson, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Chicago O’Hare are facing the most delays.
How can travelers prepare for potential delays?
Travelers should check their flight status ahead of time, arrive early for security, and activate alerts on airline apps for updates.