Any Sept. flight travelers worried about jet fuel crisis in Orlando?

[lmhall2000]

I feel mixed even putting this concern out there with what all the folks who have lost their homes are going through...

we are flying into Orlando in less than 2 weeks..but just now heard a report that 10 major US airports are facing a crisis with jet fuel supplies. (Orlando was listed as one of the ten) Has anyone heard of flights being cancelled and/or are you concerned that if you get there that there might not be fuel to take you back?

Tara

 

[princesscastle]

Yes I'm concerned as well. We are supposed to be leaving in 2 weeks as well. I don't want to get stuck down there. I would love an update on the fuel situation if anyone has one. We have 2 days before to cancel with disney right? Also if there is enough fuel will we have to pay xtra for our tickets since gas has skyrocketed?? It's hard to even think of going on vacation now with everything going on.

 

[cruiserkaren]

I'm very worried too. We leave Monday and are returning next Friday. I'm scared they'll run out of fuel while we are down there and then can't get back. I would think that by the time 2 weeks passes they would have a better idea about the situation with jet fuel. Either that it's okay or there is in fact a shortage.

 

[Lewisc]

I'd think the price and not just the availability of jet fuel may cause some airlines to combine flights. Tourism is the Orlando economy. I can't envision shutting down MCO. Some planes might have to fly with more fuel so they don't have to refuel at MCO.

 

[safetymom]

I wouldn't worry about it yet. They had a report today on the news here in Orlando that planes may be flying with just the amount of fuel needed so if there is a delay you would have to refuel along the way. It may make for a longer trip but I doubt you will see airports closed.

 

[BigTigger]

Airlines are pretty adept at making this work. You will see planes "filling up" where there is availability rather than using "just in time" fueling at each destination. Delta already does this in the Atlanta hub as they don't pay jet fuel taxes there due to a local exemption. To save money on fuel tax, they fill planes up as much as possible as the added weight of the fuel costs less to carry than they save on the tax. Most of the fuel in the northeast comes from Canda which has not had supply disruptions. I'd imagine the west is mostly immune from supply disruptions too. I think you'll see more "press" on this than reality as the press loves a story even if it's not likely to happen.

 

[CarolA]

Nope, I read the USAToday ariticle yesterday... the part that no one mentioned is what BigTigger says. The airlines have already said that if they are flying into an airport with lower then normal supplies they will fill up at the start with enough fuel for a round trip.

This "rumor" has some fact but is probably being blown out of proporation. Lets get real if they did have to close airports don't you think they would close SMALL ones and consolidate prior to closing Atlanta, Orlando etc....

 

[marc1477]

I agree they would probably close the smaller airports before the larger ones due to the economy and all the visitors.

 

[NJBlackBerry]

DO NOT PANIC.

The pipelines that shut down due to the hurricane are restarted. Plantation Pipeline is at 95% thruput and Colonial will be completely up by the weekend. There is not going to be any shortage. Florida gets petroleum products from places outside of Louisana and Texas (like the Caribbean refineries). I'm flying down tomorrow and not the slightest bit worried.

The airlines will have to jack up prices to cover the additional cost, and the weaker ones may fold under the additional strain. But the "healthy" (and that is a relative term) airlines will survive. We'll have fuel.

 

[paulmc80]

I haven't heard of any jet fuel crisis in Orlando. I know they are encouraging everyone manage fuel more carefully.

 

[NJBlackBerry]

Here's secret (shush): There is no fuel crisis. There is a people crisis.

 

[deacondarlin]

Talked with an AirTran rep just a few minutes ago. She said there are PLENTY of fuel reserves west of Louisiana, and that ATL was experiencing no difficulties (their home hub). Said there weren't any problems with flights out of MCO, either.

 

[ralphd]

Airlines are pretty adept at making this work. You will see planes "filling up" where there is availability rather than using "just in time" fueling at each destination. Delta already does this in the Atlanta hub as they don't pay jet fuel taxes there due to a local exemption. To save money on fuel tax, they fill planes up as much as possible as the added weight of the fuel costs less to carry than they save on the tax. Most of the fuel in the northeast comes from Canda which has not had supply disruptions. I'd imagine the west is mostly immune from supply disruptions too. I think you'll see more "press" on this than reality as the press loves a story even if it's not likely to happen.

AirTran has already announced that they will fill up in Atlanta or other airports as necessary.

 

[black562]

The pipelines are flowing, one at full capacity, the other will be at 85% by the weekend, if not more. Georgia's Governor also has lifted the gas tax which will lower prices by 15 cents.

 

[lmhall2000]

Here's secret (shush): There is no fuel crisis. There is a people crisis.

You make me grin!

I'm not so concerned about the airport shutting as I am seeing my flight cancelled...I'm confident the airport will stay running but will the airlines be able to maintain their volume flights? We are on a tight schedule and need to return on that date and I'm more worried about my flight being cancelled.

I was in a hair salon getting all three of my children a well-overdue haircut...and the young pair next to me just had me shaking my head at the ways of the young.

College boy to college girl..."Did you hear about New Orleans?"

CG: "No, I don't really know too much I don't watch the news"

CB: "They're shooting at all the aid workers."

CG: "Like that is so like ANNOYING, at a time when Americans should be there for each other, they like totally kill each other."

I'm happy that they atleast are taking an interest in current events but I don't see how this situation is best described as annoying. How about INSANE??? Just had to share..

Tara

 

[wdisneelvr]

I work for a jet fueling company at MCO. The airport gets it jet fuel piped in from Tampa tank farms. The fuel comes off the big oil tankers that get their fuel from the gulf coastal areas. There were several fuel tankers damaged during hurricane Katrina. That is where the jet fuel shortage is coming into play at the Tampa & Orlando airports. The disabled oil tankers need to be repaired or replaced first.

The jets are coming in heavier and taking smaller amounts of fuel. The airlines have gone thru these scenerios many times. They will also implement this procedure during bad weather conditions. We are hoping that things will change within the next couple of weeks.

Happy trails!

 

[DisneyForLife]

Thank you for that information, I hope the airport has enough fuel to get them through until the fuel tankers are fixed.

 

[marc1477]

Here's secret (shush): There is no fuel crisis. There is a people crisis.

I agree here. There isn't a fuel crisis.