Winter storm strands passengers at Savannah airport

POOLER, Ga. (WTOC) - Travelers at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport are facing days-long delays and costly rerouting as a massive winter storm continues to disrupt flights across the Northeast.

The storm has caused widespread flight delays and cancellations, leaving passengers scrambling to find alternative routes home. According to FlightAware, 56 flights have been canceled at the airport in the last 24 hours.

Deanna Tyler, a traveler trying to reach Maryland, has experienced the full impact of the disruptions. Originally booked on a flight to Maryland through Charlotte, she has been rerouted multiple times through Miami and Charlotte, adding hundreds of miles to her journey.

“All the hotels were expensive. The Ubers were high. The taxis were high. Everything was high because of the storm,” Tyler said. “So then I had an overnight flight. Then I had to come to Charlotte. Now I have to sit here for four hours.”

The delays have created financial strain for travelers forced to book last-minute hotel rooms and new flights. Tyler said the unexpected expenses have added up quickly as she tries to get home to her children.

The departures board at the airport shows the extent of the disruptions, with flights across the Northeast experiencing delays and cancellations due to the ongoing winter storm.

Limited airline obligations for stranded passengers

Stranded passengers have limited options for assistance. The U.S. Department of Transportation says airlines are not legally required to provide hotel accommodations if delays or cancellations are due to weather.

Travelers can contact their airline’s customer support or visit airport help desks to see what assistance may be available during weather-related disruptions.

The winter storm continues to move through the Northeast, with no immediate end to the travel disruptions in sight.