Southwest Airlines Chicago: Thousands more flights canceled Wednesday, including hundreds at Midway

Chicago (WLS) — Southwest Airlines said it canceled thousands of flights again across the country on Wednesday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across the country.

Southwest Airlines canceled 62% of its flights on Wednesday, or about 90% of all flights canceled nationwide. Because seas of suitcases lay in baggage claim on Midway, with exhausted passengers waiting to be picked up.

With more than 2,500 Southwest Airlines flights already canceled domestically and thousands more delayed Wednesday morning, exhausted customers are renting cars or rebooking with other airlines. I had no choice but to consider it.

It is nothing short of a holiday travel nightmare for both passengers and employees in the Southwest.

Poor planning, bad luck, organizational challenges — why is Southwest Airlines really canceling flights?

Some passengers sleep on Midway exhausted and frustrated, trying to rebook flights that may not depart for days.

The airline posted a video Tuesday night featuring CEO Bob Jordan.

“We are doing everything we can to get back to normal operations,” Jordan said in the video.

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He said he was “really sorry” for the substantive problems caused by the airline.

Midway passengers said they remain disappointed with Southwest.

David Whelan, whose flight was canceled, said, “Southwest Airlines is a very sophisticated airline and I always assumed that everything was going well during my trip, but this was just another meltdown.” It seems,” he said.

The Department of Transportation is investigating whether Southwest Airlines’ cancellation was controllable and whether the airline is complying with its customer service plan.

“This is more than just a weather delay, it crosses the line of responsibility for airlines,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

As of Wednesday morning, more than 230 flights have already been canceled and another 12 delayed.

“My dad drives up here from Grand Rapids, picks us up and takes us back to Grand Rapids, so he’s been driving for over six hours,” said Emily Grann. Told.

Southwest said system-wide exemptions are in place until Jan. 2.

“Customers who booked Southwest Airlines between Sunday, December 25th and Monday, January 2nd may rebook in their original class of service or Travel Standby (from the date of original travel between the original pair of cities). within 14 days (according to the accommodation) without additional charges,” the airline said.

But passengers may be entitled to more, according to one industry expert.

“Make sure you keep your receipts because you want to submit them to Southwest after the fact to confirm any hotel, meal or taxi reimbursements. It’s just as weather related as it was earlier in the week,” said Scott Keyes of Cheap Flights at Scott.

“I’m exhausted. I’m ready to sleep. I’m ready to go to bed soon,” said Southwest passenger Zakiya Low.

Southwest Airlines passengers tried to find their unclaimed bag around the baggage carousel at Midway airport Wednesday morning, but it smelled like searching for a needle in a haystack. .

“I think the worst part was when they canceled our flight. They didn’t give us our luggage. So these clothes were on us for four days. .

Some give airlines a reprieve as the holidays come to an end.

“Everyone we worked with was so friendly and helpful to us, so I give them kudos,” said Terry Shrimp.

Casey Murray, Southwest captain and union chairman, told ABC News the situation was “devastating.”

“The Southwest is failing on all levels. As far as we’re concerned, we’ve been treated really badly,” Murray said.

The flight attendants union also released a statement, some of which said: It’s Christmas. ”

“Creating a safe, secure and efficient environment for our passengers and employees is our top priority at the Chicago Aviation Authority (CDA),” the Chicago Aviation Authority said in a statement.

“With the support of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Lee, CDA staff, airline and FAA partners, Chicago’s airports support increased passenger traffic during the holiday season.

“Passengers should check the flight status with the airline before coming to the airport.”