Despite cancellations across country, smooth sailing at Mitchell

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It has been a rough winter -- and another rough week and weekend for travelers nationwide. Thousands of flights were either cancelled or delayed due to the weather. First, there was an ice storm in the south, and then came all the snow out in the northeast. Airlines are working to get everything back on track. In Milwaukee on Sunday, February 16th, it was a different story -- with hardly any travelers experiencing delays.

Across the country, more than 6,500 flights were cancelled on Thursday, February 13th, and another 1,700 on Friday. That's due to winter storms slamming the East Coast. The trickle-down impact was felt at Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport.

For the past four years, 23-year-old Nikolai Monson has worked to soothe weary travelers at Mitchell International by playing the piano. He describes this winter's delays and cancellations as "chaos."

"It`s been absolute chaos.  People have been getting very angry because flights are delayed. This is definitely a big difference from what it's been. (Sunday) is the first day where people look relaxed and enjoyable to be here instead of pure chaos," Monson said.

Hardly any delays on the big board at Mitchell International this weekend was music to the ears of travelers like Mark and Gayle Janzen -- who are headed out of town. This, as a Winter Weather Advisory is set to take effect at 6:00 a.m. Monday -- and another round of snow is headed our way.

"People kept saying 'good thing you're not leaving tomorrow.' And I'm like 'uh huh!'" the Janzens said.

The Janzens are headed to warm, sunny Phoenix, Arizona.

"The high for the next four days is going to be in the mid-80s!" the Janzens said.

With the snow on its way as this work week begins, if you find yourself stuck at the airport longer than you'd like to be this week -- the good news is, you can close your eyes and let Monson take you someplace warmer, without ever leaving Wisconsin!