RSW travelers face delays, cancellations amid spring break chaos

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Several flights in and out of Southwest Florida International Airport are canceled or delayed during the spring break rush.

From the partial government shutdown to winter weather across the country, travelers are urged to check with their airline before heading to the airport. 

About 15 flights leaving RSW to destinations like Boston, Houston and Minneapolis are canceled, along with about 25 flights trying to fly into RSW from places like Chicago-Midway and Indianapolis.

Teresa Smith has been trying to get back home to Atlanta since yesterday, but after delays and canceled flights, she slept at the airport.

"I should have just drove. I actually thought about it last night, but all the rentals are gone and the hotels are booked, so I slept here," Smith said. "I just want to go home. I don't want another day in the airport," Smith said.

Ron Lepage and his wife Carolyn were trying to make it back to Boston. They said they've usually had a good experience flying with JetBlue, but the weather delays have been frustrating.

"In the back of my mind, I'm a little worried because I know the weather all over the place is just crazy. We're just hoping that things have calmed down," Lepage said. "I know that pilots are usually very good at circumventing the routes that they usually take, so we're hopeful that we'll be able to get out this morning."

The airport is advising travelers to arrive earlier than normal to ensure they can get through TSA in time for their flight. Travelers should also plan extra time for parking, as the short-term parking garage is filling up quickly.