Chaos on the flight from La Guardia to Detroit yesterday (Thursday): flight number 1122, was still defined as “on time” boarding began at around 12:15 in the afternoon. But in the midst of rains and strong winds, the passengers spent about three hours making slow progress on the tracks in the field.
It was clear that there were 2 options – take off late or turn around and come back, and the opinions of the passengers were divided. For example, for Jamie, a passenger on the plane, going back to the gate was the better choice. “I will never be happier to be at LaGuardia than when I get off this plane,” she said, “I’ve already missed my connection from Detroit.”
Meanwhile, Frank, who was next to her, was determined to finish the flight, even if late – in order to celebrate Halloween with his three-year-old granddaughter. “I knew I shouldn’t have sent her a message that Grandpa was on his way,” he said.
In the end, they both got what they wanted. Passengers were allowed to choose whether to get off the plane or stay on it. The plane took off and landed at its destination – more than five hours late. The figures show that at 7pm on Thursday, LaGuardia had 203 flight cancellations (about 36%) and 223 delays (about 39%).
The return to the gate was according to the procedures, as the local law requires the airlines to move the plane to a safe location where the passengers can disembark before three hours have passed. Generally, airlines adhere to this rule, but sometimes exceptional cases occur.
That flight was just one of many that were canceled or delayed Thursday due to the severe weather. All airports in the New York area – LaGuardia, JFK and Newark – experienced nearly 400 cancellations.
“Delta apologizes to our customers for the disruptions today – refunds will be given to those whose flight was canceled and did not choose to fly,” Delta Airlines said.