Nearly 1,000 Canceled Flights Leave Disney Travelers Stranded

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travelers in line at LAX

Credit: Los Angeles Times/Twitter

As the unfortunate airline pilot shortage continues, travelers around the world are feeling the effects as they try to get from place to place.

orlando international airport security reservation lane
Credit: Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Related: Orlando Airport Reminds Disney Guests of Their “FastPass” System

Recently, a new deal between United Airlines and its employee union could mean fewer canceled flights for travelers in and out of Walt Disney World Resort’s Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Disneyland Resort’s Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John Wayne Airport (SNA).

Similar deals, however, have not yet been struck by other major carriers like Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines. Over Memorial Day weekend, Delta travelers, in particular, were impacted by hundreds of canceled flights nationwide.

car driving by lax sign
Credit: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Related: Mother on Flight From Disney World Told to “Glue” Mask to Child’s Face

On Sunday, May 29, many Disneyland vacationers found themselves stranded at LAX after Delta canceled numerous flights. KARE 11 reported on the situation:

Delta Airlines is the latest U.S. carrier to cancel hundreds of flights in a weekend, due to a mix of compounding issues, but the timing of the latest meltdown is a troubling sign for loyal travelers and industry experts.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, from Friday to Memorial Day, Delta cancelled more than 715 flights…

delta airlines stewardess
Credit: Delta Airlines

Related: Hundreds of Orlando Flights Canceled, Thousands of Travelers Stranded

The Los Angeles Times also weighed in, Tweeting on Sunday:

Dozens of flights have been canceled and hundreds more delayed this Memorial Day weekend at Los Angeles International Airport, where as many as 200,000 passengers are expected to travel today.

Related: Airlines Warn Travelers of “Catastrophic” Impact on Upcoming Flights

At one point, so many Delta travelers were at the ticket counter trying to rebook flights that the airline’s LAX terminal Starbucks, which is normally packed with people, was completely empty [below].

empty lax delta terminal starbucks
Credit: ITM Rebekah B.

Related: Disney Announces Massive Changes and Upgrades to Downtown Disney

It is unknown how long the current pilot shortage is expected to continue, but it is likely that summer travel for Disney Parks fans will be a bit of a gamble as airlines continue canceling flights.

delta plane interior
Credit: Delta Airlines

Related: Guests Take Over Disney Park Due to Insane Holiday Crowd Levels

If you are interested in booking a vacation package at Disneyland Resort along with your next flight into the Southern California region, visit the theme park property’s official website to learn more about bundling your hotel stay and Park tickets:

Enjoy all the happiness of classic Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park—which includes the revved-up and “tire”-ific Cars Land and the Downtown Disney District.

Stay close to the magic at Disneyland Resort Hotels or nearby Good Neighbor Hotels.

Were you impacted by Memorial Day’s Delta flight cancelations?

Visit the official Disney World website to plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district OR the official Disneyland website to plan your trip to Disneyland Resort’s two theme parks — Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park — and the Downtown Disney District!

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