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On Monday, tens of thousands of baggage were observed stacked in numerous U.S. airports as travelers attempted to return home after the Christmas holiday.
Bags were stranded at Tampa International Airport in Florida due to a winter storm that affected most of the United States. Numerous flights have been canceled due to the weather, leaving passengers stranded at airports.
Southwest Airlines has canceled more than 3,000 flights since December 25, and many of the luggage stranded at Tampa International appear to belong to passengers of these flights.
Sunday, Catherine Halek’s journey to Nashville was canceled after her baggage were loaded on the plane that was initially intended for her.
“Someone announced that if you are flying to Nashville tonight, you should go home because your bags would not be released,” she told FOX 13.
Another passenger, Kit Lu, arrived three days ago to visit family, but her luggage is still among Southwest’s cancelations and connecting flights that never departed or are stuck in Tampa.
Lu stated, “We have two girls and none of us have any clothing.”
As a result of the winter storm, hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed on Monday at Chicago’s Midway International Airport, where luggage was also stacked up.
On Monday, more than half of the Southwest flights at that airport were canceled, making it impossible for passengers to recover their belongings. According to travelers, they were not given sufficient information to find their bags.
“Initially, we were told that our baggage would be located below, so we searched the entire area. Passenger Dori Velligan told WMAQ-TV, “My bag is rather distinctive, but I can’t find it.”
Southwest stated that they are rebooking as many customers as possible and that those whose flights have been canceled may request a refund or credit.
Southwest said in a statement, “We are currently experiencing substantial network interruptions as a result of winter storm Elliott’s lingering affects on our whole operation.” “We continue to focus on stabilizing and enhancing our operation now that the weather has significantly improved.”
»Thousands of bags pile up in airport baggage claim areas following Christmas delays«