MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - As thousands flock to Miami International Airport ahead of Hurricane Irma, American Airlines is warning against booking last minute flights out of the region.
Though the airline added 16 flights to Dallas, New York and Philadelphia to keep up with the increase in demand from 3,600 passengers, American Airlines is winding down flight service out of MIA, Thursday.
About 70 flights out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport have been either cancelled or delayed.
Many flights sold out quickly due to the increase in demand.
“I was traveling to, today, to Argentina, and they don’t have any flights,” said traveler Florencia Bycanchi.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the massive number of outgoing flights caused a traffic jam at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
“We’ll see what we can find. We’ll get some place in America, hopefully,” said tourist Eric Bates.
Over 100 American Airlines flights have been cancelled for the weekend until further notice. The last flight out of MIA will take off Friday, at 3:49 p.m.
“I went in line to find out what the options are once you get to the front desk, and they said just refunds,” said Marcelo Dalle.
All flights out of Orlando will be canceled after 2 p.m., Saturday.
“We had a flight on Friday, so we’re waiting in line for a refund, but we’re quite resourceful, so we’ll be fine. If worst comes to worse, we’ll get to Orlando and fly out from there or something,” said an evacuating tourist at MIA.
Dramatic increases in ticket prices have some flyers frustrated.
“The price was ridiculous, probably three times the regular amount I’m used to paying,” said one woman in line waiting on her flight out of South Florida. “It’s my second year, so I fly out of this airport all the time.”
“I bought [my ticket] early. I bought mine on Sunday, so I’m lucky,” she said, “but I know people who waited, and they’re not having as much luck, especially in the major cities. Like $2,000 just to go to New York City, which is terrible. I can’t imagine having to pay that.”
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