SYRACUSE, NY (N.C.C. News) – Walking into the baggage claim A, the flight board greets travelers. But in this past weekend’s case, maybe “greet” isn’t the right word. Thousands of flights across the country are being delayed or canceled every day, and without an adequately sized workforce, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is no exception. Baggage check lines are out the door, but employees are nowhere to be found. A Cornell student who goes by the name Fang, missed her original flight from Florida.
“We missed the same line yesterday, because there are so many people in the Florida airport,” Fang said. “We missed the check-in, so we changed our plan for today.”
A pilot rushed to a shuttle. When asked if he knew about the airport’s labor shortages, he sarcastically chuffed, “What do you think?”
Syracuse University freshman Bernadette Tan got back just in time for classes but described a stressful experience.
“Going [home] to Jersey, I was supposed to get there Thursday night, but it ended up getting delayed, which means I would miss my layover in Washington,” Tan said. “So I had to leave Friday morning.” Tan said the key to dealing with adversity is to take immediate action.
“I was upset, but I made sure to take action right away. I called my parents to let them know, and then I rescheduled it.”
Orlando resident Zoe Philipson traveled to Syracuse for work, and despite making the flight many times before, was surprised by long security lines this time around.
“I think it’s important to have patience,” Philipson said. “Have gratitude for the services being offered, and make sure you mask up and stay safe out there in the airport.”
