Travelers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport faced a frustrating scene Tuesday as severe weather and security staffing shortages caused long lines, delays, and cancellations.
Passengers arriving early in the morning found crowded terminals and lines stretching outside the airport. Many travelers were already exhausted after a night of canceled flights and unexpected delays.
Some passengers said the situation inside the airport resembled a disaster zone. Luce Lepine described seeing hundreds of travelers sleeping on the floor after flights were canceled Monday night.
Tiffany Davis, who was trying to reach Baltimore, said the long lines made rebooking difficult. After waiting for hours, she began looking for a rental car instead.
Travelers across the airport reported similar experiences. David Tsava said he had been stuck dealing with delays for nearly seven hours.
“Kept getting delayed, delayed, delayed,” he said, adding that he was simply trying to get home to Maryland.
Spring break travel has added to the congestion. Families returning home from vacation have faced packed terminals and uncertain departure times.
Lacey, who had been trying to return to Detroit with her son since Saturday, said the experience was exhausting but staying calm was the only option.
“It doesn’t help to get mad,” she said. “You just do the best you can.”
Airport officials reported 82 cancellations and 154 delays at Fort Lauderdale as of Tuesday, leaving many passengers scrambling for alternatives.
