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Although our palm trees are swaying in the 80 degree warmth, it was wintry snow and blizzard-like conditions that foiled the plans of many travelers looking to leave from LAX yesterday. "At least 38 flights from Los Angeles International airport to East Coast destinations hit by winter storms were canceled Saturday," according to LA Now.
Several major airlines, including America, United, Delta, Virgin America, Continental and Qantas reported cancellations starting at around noon yesterday afternoon. An airport spokesperson "estimated that the cancellations affected more than 6,000 passengers, given the size of the aircraft and how full flights typically have been."
Although some airlines may have hoped to send flights out later or consolidate service to East Coast destinations, in Washington DC for example, by the end of the day there was simply no way in by air: "Ronald Reagan National Airport closed before noon. Baltimore-Washington International Airport closed its runways at 1:40 p.m. on Saturday [....] And Dulles International Airport closed by early evening," according to the New York Times.
With holiday travel about to peak, travelers with flights out of LAX to parts of the country where they are seeing record snowfall this weekend to be vigilant about checking with the airline regarding the status of their departing flight, and to be sure to arrive at the airport early enough to combat long lines at ticket counters and at security checks and to ensure you aren't bumped from the flight for being late.
