RSW faces some cancellations and delays amid holiday travel rush

Travelers at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) are facing a hectic morning as several flights have been delayed or canceled.

The airport is bustling with activity, reflecting the busy travel period.

Two flights were canceled on Monday morning: one to Minneapolis and another to Buffalo. Additional delays are also affecting travelers.

Maggie Jones, who arrived from Philadelphia on Monday morning, was supposed to fly to Florida on Christmas evening. She experienced significant disruptions with delays and cancellations.

"I'm still waiting for family to come pick me up. Because we got delayed, I had to switch from going to Tampa to come into Fort Myers," said Jones.

She described the travel period as challenging.

"It's been a rough travel period. Let's just say that," she said.

Ava Velasquez, another traveler, shared her concerns about her flight to Buffalo.

"It was originally at 7 a.m., but it got delayed to 7:30. The snow is bad in Buffalo, so we're gonna see what happens with that. Hopefully it doesn't get pushed back anymore or canceled," said Velasquez.

She also mentioned the severe weather conditions in Buffalo.

"There's a high wind apparently, that started at 4 a.m. in Buffalo, and then the snow is supposed to start later tonight. Hopefully it doesn't come early or anything," she said.

Patricia Sears discovered her flight to Rochester was delayed until New Year's Eve. She expressed that this delay simply means she gets two extra days in the sunshine.

"I've enjoyed myself. It's been wonderful," said Sears. "My significant other has appointments and things that he has to do, so he's a little more stressed, but I'm pretty chill."

Sears explained that there's not much that can be done since the delay is weather-related.

"If you live in Rochester, you kind of expect things like this, and what a better place to be for it to happen," said Sears.

RSW officials expect a busy week of travel as people return home and head to their destinations for New Year's celebrations.

Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid missing their flights.