ATLANTA (CBS46) — On a day full of hugs and holiday cheer, dozens of flights Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Brought heartache for some passengers.
Deborah Burris was close to tears after her flight to Africa was canceled on Friday morning.
“Everything has been cancelled,” Deborah Burris said. “It was more than just Christmas.”
For his holiday trip, Burris plans to bring books, papers, pencils, and other gifts to the children on the other side of the world.
“We were going to celebrate the continent. It’s nothing but school supplies for the kids,” she said, opening a large bag.
The trip to Africa was one of more than 300 flights from Delta, United, and other carriers canceled on Christmas Eve partly because of the Omicron version. According to online flight tracking service Flight-Aware, one in 10 United flights were canceled.
In a statement to CBS46, United Airlines addressed the canceled flights:
“The nationwide spike in Omicron cases this week has had a direct impact on our flight crews and the people running our operations. As a result, unfortunately we have had to cancel some flights and are notifying affected customers prior to their arrival at the airport. We’re sorry for the disruption and are working hard to rebook as many people as possible and get them on their way to the holidays. ,
Delta Airlines Be warned that there may be more cancellations on the way. The airline expects 150 flights to be canceled on Saturday and Sunday.
The disaster of Christmas hit loved ones especially hard for those to come.
Jean-Pierre Waitly said his family was on board their flight to visit their mother in Phoenix when they were told the plane would not take off despite being minutes from its scheduled departure.
“It’s insane to be fifth in line at the last minute, ready to board your flight,” Waitley said. “I thought it was a mistake. There’s no way.”
Waitley said the late cancellation caused chaos at the gate. Travelers scramble to find alternate flights.
His family rebooked his flight for Sunday, but Waitley is disappointed that he will not be able to spend the holiday with his mother for the second year in a row.
“Christmas is special. We weren’t out to see them in a long time, we were really looking forward to it,” he said.
Amid untimely flight cancellations, some passengers struggled to find the ideal rebooking option.
April Guber and Peter Torres were stranded at Hartsfield-Jackson, although they were believed to be on their own. The couple missed their flight minutes while using the restroom.
“We are in the same boat as these people whose flights have been cancelled. We feel for them,” Torres said.
Gober and Torres said they were initially supposed to take off at 11:30 a.m. After missing their flight, the next available option was around 7 p.m.
“We’re not going to be there until midnight,” Torres said. “Perfect timing – here comes Santa Claus!”
As rebookings and receipts begin, a glimmer of gratitude appears in the hustle and bustle of the holiday.
“Maybe it is time for us to relax. All this travel is hectic and your stress level is very high,” Torres said.
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