Have Flights Been Delayed Due To Increased Security

[Disneyhappy]

Has anyone heard if flights are being delayed due to increased security delays or are the flights departing even though they realize the flight is missing several passengers, probably stuck at security checkpoints? We fly out tomorrow and plan to get to the airport at least three hours early (waking up at 4 AM!). I would hope that will be plenty of time but what if it is not enough time? I guess we'll be SOL!

 

[ducklite]

They will not hold the plane for more than a minute or two. Generally when teh line is really long and a plane is missing a lot of passengers they wills tart going through the line calling for passengers on "Flight 123" and pull you to the head of the line.

Anne

 

[CarolA]

Actually yesterday SW was reporting some huge delays. (I think part of the problem was the pilots and FAs were busy whining that "They were above the rules and should get to KEEP thier shampoo" )

However, I would expect that by today most folks know what's going on and MAYBE the TSA has figured out how to do this in a timely manner....

 

[Lewisc]

Security is re-checking passengers before they board the plane. That might delay SW more than other airlines. SW frequently only has around a 30 minute turn around time in their schedule.

Once more passengers realize what's banned the security may actually go faster as passengers take smaller and fewer carryon bags. Now the line to check luggage is another issue.

Actually yesterday SW was reporting some huge delays. (I think part of the problem was the pilots and FAs were busy whining that "They were above the rules and should get to KEEP thier shampoo" )

However, I would expect that by today most folks know what's going on and MAYBE the TSA has figured out how to do this in a timely manner....

 

[DVC-Don]

I checked the SW flight (1153) out of Albany, NY this morning and it left on time and arrived in Orlando 8 minutes early. That's the one we'll be on next Wednesday.

 

[safetymom]

They have been advising on the news that if you miss your flight to just go home. The flights are full and don't know when they could reschedule you.

 

[Lewisc]

They have been advising on the news that if you miss your flight to just go home. The flights are full and don't know when they could reschedule you.

That doesn't make any sense. If you were delayed going through security the chances are passengers for the flight you're standing by for will also be delayed. SW is actually waiving the requirement of paying extra if you want to standby for a different flight. If you get through security much faster than anticipated just grab the next flight, particularly if you're using DME for your luggage.

I wouldn't go home without checking with the airline first.

 

[zurgswife]

That doesn't make any sense. If you were delayed going through security the chances are passengers for the flight you're standing by for will also be delayed. SW is actually waiving the requirement of paying extra if you want to standby for a different flight. If you get through security much faster than anticipated just grab the next flight, particularly if you're using DME for your luggage.

I wouldn't go home without checking with the airline first.

That's exactly what we plan to do on Monday morning. Stay at the airport hotel on points then get up early and try to get on one of the 2 earlier flights....If we don't make it well oh well...we are through security and we will have A passes anyway.

 

[safetymom]

That doesn't make any sense. If you were delayed going through security the chances are passengers for the flight you're standing by for will also be delayed. SW is actually waiving the requirement of paying extra if you want to standby for a different flight. If you get through security much faster than anticipated just grab the next flight, particularly if you're using DME for your luggage.

I wouldn't go home without checking with the airline first.

Because other people are trying to get on those flights also. You would do better to have the phone number of reservations of your airline on your cell phone and call them rather than wait in a line.

I am sure the airlines aren't having any problems filling flights. The first flight of the day may be less than normal but as the day goes on I am sure they are full.

 

[DVC-Don]

Just read an WFTV (Orlando 9) report that delays for security are non-exsistant compared to yesterday at the same time.

UPDATED: 12:32 pm EDT August 11, 2006

ORLANDO, Fla. -- There were shorter lines and swifter security Friday as travelers were taking steps to make sure the terror plot to blow up international planes didn't affect their lives.

Thursday, the line at the security checkpoint was so long the wait was more than 45 minutes. A day later, the line at the same checkpoint was virtually nonexistent.

 

[disneymom3]

That is good to hear Don. They were predicting the same thing on the news here last night. Once travelers know they can't bring those items, they (most) will be prepared ahead of time and things will move more quickly. Just like right we have all gotten used to taking off shoes and jackets and having ID in hand for screenings over the last several years whereas we would not have been prepared for that 6 years ago.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew from Orange Co (John Wayne) this morning, lines were only about 5 or 10 min. They were doing some random checks at the gate, similar to after 9/11.

I'm now in PHX waiting for my connection to PIT, I noticed there's a stand with beauty products, lots of creams and liquids.

 

[seashoreCM]

Some passengers are being screened yet again right at the gate. (In Boston the national guard is doind some of these extra screenings.) I doubt if the affected planes will depart until all of these passengers have been rescreened.

 

[katiedid0801]

Flew SWA out of Nashville this morning, was through security and at my gate (C23!) in less than 10 minutes. Didn't see anyone getting checked at the gate before boarding-not sure if that's a good thing or not!

 

[shelleyr25]

It is good to hear all this info from recent fliers. We are leaving on an 8am flight on 8/31 to WDW and was dreading that I might have to get the kids up at 4am!!

 

[pigby]

Not so good news from over here in the UK - 10 flights from London Heathrow to the US were cancelled again today. My home city is Manchester UK and the flights to Orlando are running 3-4 hours behind schedule - hope it improves by next Friday and they have 'caught up' a little.