Airline passengers combat travel challenges

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Weather and Covid-related challenges continue to plague the airline industry.

With the many delays, cancellations and high costs, we asked passengers if it is still worth the hassle to travel.

Despite some travelers having to deal with long waits for their flight, they say they still want to live their lives and see their loved ones.

Ron Allen tells us he visited Buffalo to check on his father.

Allen planned to leave Saturday, but missed his flight to Las Vegas after being hospitalized.

He says he was short on cash and paying for a new flight with Delta was too expensive.

“Delta wouldn’t do anything for me. Wouldn’t help me with nothing—you know, things are things. So long story short, I looked, they want $500 this, that and then a half hour later, Frontier popped in and my daughter was like we can get it for this [amount] and it was great,” he said.

Allen says he had medical receipts and wished Delta had more compassion to help him with his cancellation besides a $70 voucher.

“But you’re paying people $5,000, $10,000 to fill your seat but yet I can’t get on a plane because of a medical reason and you can’t help me and you take all the money from what I already paidI think it was very—it was not business-like I’d say, you know what I mean?

Meanwhile, Yasmin Perez says she traveled from Germany to come visit Buffalo and is now dealing with a delay to Orlando to see family.

She says international travel is just as expensive and usually finds deals to cover costs.

“Yeah, we got deals always to Orlando. I think the most I ever paid for was 600 euros. And last year, I paid around 850-900,” she said.

“To me, personally, it’s cause I got to see family. I like the states, I have dual-citizenship. But maybe I would’ve thought twice about it especially with Covid still going on, which is scary to mebut yeah, I want to see my family,” she said.

Holly Johnston says her trip to Minneapolis went well, but says she probably spent about $2,000 for her hotel and activities.

She says it cost hundreds more than prior trips she’s taken in past years, but encourages people to travel.

“I feel like traveling is one of the main things to do with your life. Like go see your friends, go see new things. Go make new memories. It’s like travel is what you’re supposed to do with your life.”

And Allen says despite his challenges, family members were able to help pay for his flight.

“My son and all them will be excited I’m coming home. Got my little giftsgot to bring something home, right? I had my last thing of chicken wings so I’m very relieved,” he said.

Airlines are encouraging travelers to plan ahead and check on flights before heading to the airport.