LOCAL NEWS

Utahns among thousands of travelers impacted by canceled flights

Dec 27, 2021, 1:46 PM

SALT LAKE CITY — Like many airports across the country, the Salt Lake City International Airport is experiencing major travel disruptions during the busy holiday weekend.

As of 1:30 p.m. Monday, there were 185 delays and 43 cancelations in and out of SLC, according to flightaware.com.

Getting stuck at the airport is no fun year-round, but it can be even more stressful during the holidays when you’re trying to get home to see loved ones.

Samantha Stolworthy got the bad news about her flight to Orange County, California, from the Delta Air Lines app as she was on her way to the airport.

“It said oh yeah, by the way your flight’s canceled,” she said. “We moved you to an hour-earlier flight, which I would have missed regardless.”

Tracking down the next available flight was frustrating.

“You go to one ticket counter because you’re canceled with another flight and they won’t help you,” she said. “You can’t call them because it’s a four-hour hold time, so you’re kind of just in limbo.”

It’s been a nightmare for travelers like Stolworthy all across the country. Several airlines scrapped hundreds of flights due to COVID-19 staff shortages and bad weather.

“I read on KSL about the many cancelations and delays,” said Jarod Wallace. His family caught a break. They arrived home to Utah problem-free from Hawaii.

“We’re very thankful things went smooth for us,” he said.

Travel nightmare: Another 2,000 flights canceled Monday

Kaala Leoleo also traveled from Honolulu to Utah, and delays or cancelations didn’t mess up her plans.

“My sister is getting sealed in the LDS temple with her husband and son,” Leoleo said. “I didn’t notice until I saw red lights on the screen and I said oh my gosh and it just says Honolulu. So we were really blessed.”

But for Stolworthy, she said she has to go to Southern California to visit her dying father.

“Right now my only point of action is to drive there. So, I’ve got a nice 10-hour drive to California,” she said.

Airport managers can’t stress enough how important it is to plan ahead.

Before you leave for the airport, check with your airline for any possible delays or cancellations. Just expect the airport to be busy, get here at least two hours early to find parking, check in and get through TSA screening.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

7 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

8 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

9 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

10 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

11 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utahns among thousands of travelers impacted by canceled flights