No SW flights to MCO Monday

[lulu71]

Just read on SW website that Monday flights are cancelled into MCO. I wonder when they will reopen?

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

MCO sustained some fairly serious damage during Hurricane Charley. So far, I haven't heard of any new damage due to Frances, but Frances hasn't past us yet. I think the decision on when to reopen the airport will depend on how badly damaged it may be, how quickly power can be restored, and any other issues (sewer backups, flooding, gate equipment repair if necessary, etc) can be resolved.

 

[debden]

Yeah,I just called my sister and her family in Kissimmee to let them know all flights on Southwest Airlines were cancelled for Monday,Sept. 6th. They have reservations to fly out of Orlando early AM, Tuesday,Sept. 7th and she is just hoping they can get out!
If there is alot of flooding,debris,or damage on the roads to the airport I don't think it will be possible for them to leave Tuesday morning...That is if the airport is open and the flights for Southwest are coming in and going out!!
Hopefully everything will go well and people will be able to get in and out Tuesday.
Good Luck to all who are weathering the storm...
Debbie

 

[maraakl]

Many other airlines have posted that they will be resuming service to MCO on Monday at 12:00 pm. At least that is what is on Jet Blue, Contential, Spirit and a few other airline's sites.
Wonder what is up with Southwest, or.....are they the only ones that update their site.
The MCO site is not a lot of help.

 

[debden]

I agree Maraakl,Every other airline is saying they will resume flights on Monday at 12 noon when the Orlando Airport (MCO)
is due to open back up....
I've been to the MCO site a few times hoping to see a notice about opening again but so far nothing.....
Debbie

 

[Pinnie]

My guess is that SWA is going to need a day to reposition planes and flight crews. I know when I was at MCO 2 weeks ago today, gate 25 in the SWA area (or 125, can't remember) was unusable because the jetway collapsed due to Charley.

There was also little if no a/c when we arrived at MCO in the SWA area right after it opened after Charley, too

pinnie

 

[maraakl]

Just got off the phone with Southwest. The reason they are not flying into MCO tomorrow is they are restricted as to how far over the ocean they can fly. In keeping with that restriction, they are unable to fly around the storm. Makes sense and makes me feel a little better.

 

[Pinnie]

Thanks, maraakl, for that explanation. I wonder how many other carriers have the same restriction. I just checked NWA's site and it looks right now that flights to MCO after noon are on. Flights earlier have been cancelled.

pinnie

 

[lulu71]

Originally posted by maraakl
Just got off the phone with Southwest. The reason they are not flying into MCO tomorrow is they are restricted as to how far over the ocean they can fly. In keeping with that restriction, they are unable to fly around the storm. Makes sense and makes me feel a little better.

Did they give you any sense of when they will fly in to MCO? I have a 7am flight on Tuesday AM. Thanks!

 

[maraakl]

They said "as of now they will be flying on Tuesday". I was also told to check back, which of course I will. By Tuesday Francis should be far enough away ( and I hope no threat to anyone else) to allow flights in.

 

[maraakl]

Pinnie,
I have no clue, but, I do know all that Southwest flies are 737s, not sure if that has anything to do with the plane or their charter.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by maraakl
Pinnie,
I have no clue, but, I do know all that Southwest flies are 737s, not sure if that has anything to do with the plane or their charter.

If you fly too far over the ocean the airlines have to have more rafts and floatation devices than just the seat cushions.

I suspect the other airlines will be cancelling many/most of their flights. Equipment and crews aren't in position and I don't think most airlines have their overseas planes available for FL routes.

 

[maraakl]

Lewis
How long do you think it will be before they start to fly again?

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by maraakl
Lewis
How long do you think it will be before they start to fly again?

You've been speaking to SW and have better information than my speculation.

MCO says they'll be flying on Tues.

http://www.orlandoairports.net:/goaa/press/20040905.htm

My speculation, SW will spend Monday getting their planes positioned so they can start Tues with close to a full schedule.

Obviously this assumes MCO is in reasonable shape. Charlie hit the gate cluster than SW uses more than the other 3, if the damaged roof wasn't repaired very well there might have been a lot of water damage.

 

[maraakl]

Lewis,
Thank you!!! I checked that site just prior to my posting.
Must have updated right after my post. Yes, I have been speaking with Southwest, but, they are really not allowed to say much. And, I trust your judgement.
Judging from what it says, it looks like SWA will be in the air on Tuesday.

I am just totally pleased that Florida and the Floridians did not sustain the damage they did with Charlie.

 

[maraakl]

Lewis,
Your mailbox is full.

 

[debden]

It finally shows on the Orlando Airport website that MCO is opening at 12 noon today. That's good news!
It looks like Southwest Airlines is going to be updating their flight operations at 11am this morning. I'm keeping an eye for my sister and her family.They are due to fly out of Orlando at 10am Tuesday,the 7th. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope they resume full operations on Tuesday.
Debbie

 

[maraakl]

Hey Debden,
Where did you see the info on Southwest? TIA.

 

[debden]

Hi maraakl,It does not state on the Southwest website that they are updating at 11am but I've been keeping an eye on that site for the last few days for my sister and her family and it's been updated by 11am everyday.So I guess I just assumed it will be updated the same time today...
Debbie

 

[maraakl]

Hi Deb,
Thanks, yes, they have been updating by 11 each day. Keeping my fingers crossed for your sister and the rest of us either trying to get in or out.