Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport open during winter storm
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport; winter storm delays
Flight boards inside the airport showed cancelations and delays for both arrivals and departures. A lot of passengers told FOX6 that, since they can't control their flight time, they could focus on that anxiety once they arrived at the airport.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport remained open Thursday, Dec. 22 during the latest winter storm – and holiday air travel was in full swing.
Snow plows cleared the runways as flights came and went. Visibility was low at times, but people who were flying out told FOX6 News they arrived early to ensure they had enough time.
"We didn’t know if the airport would be crowded today, but we took every precaution that we could because we need to see our grandchildren," said Milwaukee resident Brenda Pitchford.
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Flight boards inside the airport showed cancelations and delays for both arrivals and departures. A lot of passengers told FOX6 that, since they can't control their flight time, they could focus on that anxiety once they arrived at the airport.
"I was a little nervous to be honest," said Brooke Felder of Atlanta, who visited her family in Fond du Lac. "It was okay. The roads were actually not too bad, but it was definitely – the snow was coming."
FOX6 spent hours inside the airport. Cars pulled up to drop off soon-to-be airline passengers as crowds came in waves because of staggered flights. Overall, the airport was running like normal.
"I’ll tell you what’s exciting. This bag is filled with Oke Doke potato chips and (Jays) Hot Stuff potato chips for my daughter because she can’t get them in Atlanta, so this is her bag," said Jerome Pitchford of Milwaukee.
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The airport said 7,500 people were projected to fly out of Milwaukee on Thursday. Officials urge all airline passengers to keep in touch with their airline for the latest flight status.
"We push the travelers, keep in contact with their airline. Open that line of communication. They’ll be the ones to say if there’s any delays or cancelations," said Stephanie Staudinger, the airport's marketing and public relations coordinator. "They’re focusing on safety and efficiency and then as quick as possible, so they can get that runway cleared."
As travelers kept their eyes on the flight board, some said their fingers were crossed with hopes their flight made it out on schedule.
"It is nice to visit, but I like living in a warmer climate," Felder said.
Travelers at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport on Dec. 22
Passenger airlines serving MKE
- Air Canada: 1-800-247-2262
- Alaska: 1-800-252-7522
- American: 1-800-433-7300
- Delta: 1-800-221-1212
- Frontier: 1-801-401-9000
- jetBlue: 1-800-538-2583
- Southwest: 1-800-435-9792
- Spirit: 1-855-728-3555
- Sun Country: 651-905-2737
- United: 1-800-864-8331
- Apple Vacations: 1-800-517-2000
- Funjet Vacations: 1-888-558-6654