RSW passengers face hours-long delays over Memorial Day weekend

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Memorial Day weekend flight delays at Southwest Florida International Airport turned vacation endings into extended waits for travelers hoping to return home.

WINK News reporter Paul Dolan spoke with passengers at RSW, where a flight board full of delays changed weekend plans. According to AAA, a record 45 million people were expected to travel during Memorial Day weekend.

Jacob West faced a six-hour delay that significantly disrupted his plans.

"It's gonna significantly, you know, mess up my weekend plans here," West said. "Six-hour delays, obviously not ideal."

The delay forced West to reconsider his immediate plans.

"It's tough to wrap my head around, honestly," West said. "I'm gonna have to hit a bar or something, not quite sure, but we're gonna have to make do here."

Other travelers experienced shorter delays. Doug, another passenger, discovered his flight was delayed by 30 minutes and had to contact his pickup.

One teacher visiting with her mother focused on the positive aspects of their annual trip.

"Once a year, my mom and I come down here and just relax and go to the beach," she said. "That's the main focus, relaxation."

West, who left Marco Island that morning, expressed frustration with the frequency of air travel disruptions.

"When air travel is run smoothly, it's great, but obviously when it doesn't, it's a big pain," West said. "It seems like this happens more often than not, where it doesn't go smoothly, unfortunately."

Longtime traveler Norma Tolley offered advice for handling airport delays.

"I've had delays," Tolley said. "If you're there, you just gotta keep calm and do what you have to do."

West acknowledged that the delay marked an abrupt end to his vacation.

"It's definitely a rude awakening," West said. "I'm back into the real world now, I guess."

RSW officials recommend arriving early and being prepared before going through security to move through the airport quickly.