As winter weather causes delays and cancellations across parts of the country, many travelers at Tampa International Airport are finding themselves stuck — just hours after returning from cruises to Mexico.
For some, the timing feels ironic: trading sunshine for snow in a matter of hours.
Laurel Carney had just said goodbye to her sister after a week on the water.
“It was lovely, we just relaxed, didn’t have to do anything, go anywhere,” Carney said.
Now, she’s trying to get home to Buffalo, with a connecting flight through Baltimore.
“My plan is to get on the flight and fly straight to Baltimore, whether that happens is another story. Right now, Baltimore is socked in,” she said.
Christopher Micozzi is also heading north — to Cleveland — after a cruise to Mexico. But snow across parts of the Midwest has him watching the departure board closely.
“It’s not looking good so far. A lot of the northwest is blanketed by snow, so we’re kind of sitting here hoping everything works out, but we don’t know until it shows up on the board,” Micozzi said.
He said the uncertainty can be frustrating.
“It’s a little stressful regardless because you don’t really have a plan if things go astray, but we take it step by step and hope everything works out,” he said.
Still, he said the trip was worth it.
“It’s definitely worth it to escape the winter for a cruise, but you know, there’s a little stress involved, but you don’t plan for that,” Micozzi said.
For Tyler Eroshevich, the journey home has already been turbulent. He said his cruise ship hit rough waters after leaving Mexico, just before travel warnings went into effect.
“It happened basically right as we left port, I think we hit international waters when all that started happening, so today it was the big talk as everyone was getting off the boat,” Eroshevich said.
Despite the delays and uncertainty, many travelers said they would take the trip again for the sunshine and time with loved ones.
“It’s gonna take a long time to get home. We don’t know if we’re going to end up getting a car and driving or getting our flight or what. We’ll see,” said Suzanne Neville.
Carney said she’s prepared to wait if necessary.
“I’m not worried about the delay at all. If I have to spend the night in the airport, I spend the night in the airport,” she said.
While winter weather may be complicating the return home, none of the travelers interviewed said they regretted taking the trip.