Travel Delays Sour Holiday Plans for Many

Dec. 24 2008— -- Holiday travel that froze to a halt in many parts of the country is slowly thawing, but severe winter weather may still leave many travelers spending Christmas Eve in airports or other unplanned destinations.

Determined to find a way to get from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Orlando for Christmas, stranded passenger Francesca Rodriquez had to get creative.

"I'm flying to Tampa through Miami and renting a car in Tampa and driving to Orlando," she said. "I'm just happy to get home."

On one of the busiest travel days of the year, passengers across the country -- whether they are traveling by plane, bus or train -- are reporting hour-long waits and flight cancellations at airports, bus depots and train stations.

There were fewer flight cancellations today than on Tuesday, and airport traffic cleared out slightly this morning, but it was backed up again by the afternoon, especially on the East Coast. In Newark, flights were delayed by an average of three hours and 36 minutes because of snowy conditions, the Federal Aviation Administration said. At New York's JFK Airport, flight delays averaged three hours and one minute.

"Passengers do need to pack patience, there are significant delays due to the weather," said Continental spokeswoman Julie King. Continental reported only two cancellations on Wednesday but flights at its Newark hub were affected by the weather. The congestion at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport improved slightly, but frustration among travelers built, as many continued to face difficulty rebooking flights. Incoming flights were delayed up to 45 minutes as of late Wednesday afternoon.

Travelers to San Francisco were warned that arriving flights could be delayed up to one hour and 47 minutes because of strong winds.

Elsewhere across the country, delays averaged anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes.

The National Weather Service warned of travel difficulties arising from snow and sleet, causing flight delays and messy road conditions. It advised drivers to be aware of slippery roads and limited visibility. At least 23 people have been killed in highway deaths due to the weather.

Some commuters have spent as long as 24 hours in the airport, with Chicago's O'Hare airport bearing the brunt of the delays, thanks to a heavy snowstorm earlier this week.

One of the largest airports in the world, O'Hare serves as a major hub for international flights and domestic cross-country flights. And thanks to a continual snowstorm, delays in the Midwest hub caused a ripple effect throughout the country Tuesday.

O'Hare officials made 500 cots available Tuesday night for travelers stranded at the airport.