Waiting for hours in an airport customer service line to speak to a representative who was ultimately unable to help. On hold for half a day to reach an agent. Having to sleep leaning against a suitcase in the middle of a busy terminal. And finally being able to rebook a flight to get away for just a few days.
They are among the worst case scenarios for travelers when flying. And in some notable cases, seemingly routine events, such as severe weather or technological problems, can spiral out of control, leaving thousands stranded and helpless.
It has been the fate of many Southwest passengers this week, as the airline struggled to recover from a winter storm that hit much of the United States. Thousands of Southwest flights have been delayed or canceled in recent days, far more than any other airline, and complaints on social media show that customer service is seriously lacking.
Here’s a look at some other notable airline meltdowns that left passengers stranded and frustrated.
April 2017: Delta is toppled by a storm
Delta canceled more than 3,500 flights for five days as storms hit Atlanta, the carrier’s main hub a cascade effect while the airline struggled to meet its staffing needs and rebook passengers.
Thunderstorms only lasted a few hours in Atlanta, but they wreaked havoc on Delta’s workforce schedule across the country. The airline’s offer to provide free pizza only slightly lifted the mood of thousands of stranded customers.
June 2021: Technology problems in the Southwest
The first night, a weather data problem prevented Southwest from flying safely. The following day, more technological problems, described as “network connectivity” failures, plagued and compelled the airline to do so cancels or delays half of its flights.
The disrupted flights continued for days as the airline recovered, at a time when demand for travel began to pick up as coronavirus restrictions eased.
October 2021: A bad weekend for Southwest
Long-standing plans – including those of some Boston Marathon runners – were sunk when Southwest over canceled 1,800 flights during one weekend. It started with “weather problems at our Florida airports” and was exacerbated by “unexpected air traffic control problems in the same region,” the airline said.
It was exacerbated by the airline operating fewer flights than before the pandemic, the airline said.
July 2022: Lost bags pile up at Heathrow
Staff shortages at London’s Heathrow Airport, along with rising demand and a baggage system malfunction, left thousands of bags missing. At one point, Delta filled a plane bound for Detroit with 1,000 pieces of stranded luggage to help reunite the bags with their owners in the United States.
The airport would limit the number of departing passengers until September, but was still struggling with long queues and lost luggage.