Passengers flying on Spirit Airlines were stranded for hours after the budget-friendly carrier canceled 30% of its scheduled flights nationwide, according to flight tracking service FlightAware.com.
On Monday, the Florida-based airline cancelled over 200 flights throughout the U.S., in addition to 165 canceled flights on Sunday, leaving travelers frustrated throughout cities such as San Juan, Miami, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
While rumors began circulating of a strike, a spokesperson for Spirit quickly denied those rumors, citing weather and ‘other operational challenges’ as the culprit for the delays.
On Monday, the Florida-based airline cancelled over 200 flights throughout the U.S., in addition to 165 canceled flights on Sunday, leaving travelers frustrated in throughout cities such as San Juan, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
While rumors began circulating of a strike, a spokesperson for Spirit quickly denied those rumors, citing weather and ‘other operational challenges’ as the culprit for the delays
Following the cancellations, many passengers took began voicing their frustration online, commenting on long waits for refunds, missing luggage, and other customer service challenges
‘We’re working around the clock to get back on track in the wake of some travel disruptions over the weekend due to a series of weather and operational challenges,’ Sprit spokesperson Erik Hofmeyer told the Sun Sentinel in an email.
‘We needed to make proactive cancellations to some flights across the network, but the majority of flights are still scheduled as planned,’ he added.
Passengers flying on Spirit Airlines were stranded for hours after the budget-friendly carrier canceled 30% of its scheduled flights nationwide, according to flight tracking service FlightAware.com
Following the cancellations, many passengers began voicing their frustration online, commenting on long waits for refunds, missing luggage, and other customer service challenges.
One passenger even complained about waiting in line for almost seven hours.
‘Update, been here in line almost 7 hrs. I’m tired, hungry, hot and I’m finally close to the front. @SpiritAirlines No comment on what’s going…’
‘This is absolutely ridiculous. First fight was delayed. Twice. Then canceled. Got my flight changed to a different airport. Then THAT flight got canceled. Then went to the desks and all the spirit employees left and refused to come back to help us!’ one user wrote on Twitter.
Another individual commented on agents refusing to assist guests despite after waiting in line four hours.
‘What’s worse is the fact only two people are actually assisting guests when the other agent assist line are refusing people. Been on the phone for almost 2 hours waiting on an agent to fix this mess as well,’ wrote another.
Carolyn Fennell, Orlando airport spokeswoman believes COVID-19 also plays a factor in the cancellations.
‘I think the question of why it’s happening is a combination of weather with afternoon storms and lightning; airline staffs are reduced by COVID not just here but across the nation and you’ve got a huge spike in travel,’ she told the Sun Sentinel.
‘It’s all of that, a perfect storm.’
Requests for comment to Sprit Airlines from DailyMail.com went unanswered.
