Wednesday was another day of travel chaos for United Airlines passengers at Denver International Airport. Dozens of delays and cancellations now result in a stressful baggage claim as passengers search for their belongings.
“I’m frustrated, really frustrated,” said Leo Mullin. “I’ve been trying to do this golf trip for a few years so it’s kind of a thorn in our side at the moment.”
Hundreds of thousands of people have been stranded from coast to coast. According to a United spokesman, severe storms impacted the first few flights, then airline staff shortages and FAA air traffic control operations made the situation even worse.
It’s all just the storm before the bigger storm. The FAA said Thursday will be the busiest day of the July 4th period.
Betsy Moston has been stranded in Denver since Tuesday morning. Now she misses a cruise to Alaska with her family and has lost thousands of dollars as a result.
“Oh, in every hall there are people lying on the floor, old people, young people, people who are in wheelchairs, it’s awful,” Moston said. “If I’m being honest, I want to say that I want to find a really good class action lawsuit because there are probably 5,000 other people who would join me. And you know, there’s really no offer of help for any of these people who are stranded here.
Michael Jobin traveled to Hawaii with his wife and sons for his anniversary, but like hundreds of other travelers, he didn’t go anywhere.
“I think our airlines are totally messed up. It’s the saddest thing in the world,” Jobin said. “United just dropped the ball here.”
Currently, United Airlines is rebooking customers for days, but as July 4 approaches, Mullin says passengers should prepare for a wild ride or stay home.
“Literally buckle up, be ready for chaos and lots of changes along the way,” he said.
A United Airlines customer said the mobile app now automatically offers personalized rebooking options, baggage tracking information, and meal and hotel vouchers if they’re eligible if their flight is delayed or canceled for those whose travel has been disrupted, making it easier and less stressful to get back on track.
Customers whose flights have been canceled can receive a refund if they no longer wish to travel.