Influx Of Cancellations, Delays Affecting Will Rogers And Airports Across The Country

Holiday travelers continued to feel the effects of the recent winter storms as they endured thousands of canceled and delayed flights across the country.

According to FlightAware, there were 6,859 delays within, into, or out of the United States on Monday as of 5:08 p.m. Meanwhile, there were 3,768 cancellations within, into, or out of the U.S. on Monday during the same timeframe.

On Christmas, there were 7,856 delays and 3,184 cancellations throughout the country, FlightAware reported.

At Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, there were 26 delayed flights and 29 cancellations on Monday as of 5:26 p.m.

Among the passengers affected were Hattie Potter - of Alva, Oklahoma - and her family. 

They were planning to go to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Their flight was originally scheduled to depart Will Rogers at 1:30 p.m. Monday. But Potter said the flight was delayed and when they arrived at the airport, they learned it was canceled.

“It’s been kind of hard because we surprised (the kids) with this trip for Christmas," Potter said. "We put together a puzzle that said, ‘We leave (Monday). Pack your bags. We’re going to Disney for Christmas.’ This was our plan. So kind of, when you plan all year for it, it kind of puts a kink in your plans.”

With their flight canceled, the family was trying to figure out what to do next.

 “If we have to drive or anything like that, I don’t know that we’ll get our full three days in," Potter said.

 In the meantime, they kept their spirits up by doing activities while they waited at the airport.

 “That’s the joy of family and coloring books and just keeping busy, keeping hope, trying to be hopeful that we’ll get there somehow," Potter said.