Travelers at President Donald J. Trump International Airport in West Palm Beach faced hours of delays, cancellations and frustration on Friday after a nationwide ground stop.
Vivian Reddy flew in from San Diego with her husband for a two-week cruise. Their luggage did not arrive with them, and without clothes, the couple decided not to board the ship. “It’s ruined our vacation,” Reddy said.
Debbie Gordon, a Washington, D.C., resident, said her flight home left with only crew aboard after hours of waiting. She said the airline cited a lack of crew to staff the plane. Gordon had come to South Florida to help move her mother into an assisted living facility in Washington.
Other travelers were more philosophical at baggage claim. One passenger said, “We had it pretty good,” while another said the day was “a lot” but ended fine. One couple, after 24 hours of delays, said they were ready for bed.
Reddy urged anyone with a trip planned soon to wait a week for the disruption to settle.

