Travel News

Southwest Airlines said Thursday that it plans to resume normal flight operations on Friday, Dec. 30, following days of delayed and canceled flights that left passengers and employees stuck at airports – and in long lines and on hold with customer service – across the country.

Update: Southwest said Thursday afternoon that it plans to resume normal operations with “minimal disruptions” on Friday, Dec. 30.

For yet another day, Southwest Airlines left travelers without a clue of how to get home, canceling about 60% of its planned flights. The biggest question is, why is this happening?

Spending is adding up fast for stranded Southwest passengers. They feel like they aren't getting help.

Those who booked flights with Southwest Airlines are experiencing travel nightmares not only at Orlando International Airport but across the U.S. The company has left many stranded — including its staff – after canceling thousands of flights over the last couple of days due to the winter storm over the Christmas holiday and residual impacts.

The CDC announced Wednesday that it will implement a requirement of a negative COVID-19 test for people traveling to the U.S. from China and the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau. 

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said he was "truly sorry" for the flight delays and cancelations that have stranded passengers – and Southwest employees – at airports across the country, including at Orlando International Airport, following a winter storm over the Christmas holiday.

Southwest Airlines continues to cancel more flights across the U.S. with over one hundred being canceled out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Wednesday. 

Most airlines are averaging about a 5% cancellation rate right now. Southwest Airlines is sitting at 70%. And for those who are dealing with Southwest, they aren’t up against an annoying or inconvenient delay – some, like Loretta Moore, could be stranded for up to a week.