Weather-related disruptions force travelers to adjust plans as Tampa International Airport sees extensive delays and cancellations.

TAMPA, Fla. — Challenging weather conditions across the country have forced thousands of travelers to adjust their plans during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. Experts advise those flying to arrive at airports an hour, if not two, earlier than usual.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) has been particularly affected, with reports of significant delays and cancellations. As of Monday, the airport’s departure board was predominantly red, indicating a high number of disruptions.

Crowds were wrapping around certain airline counters just to check a bag this morning.

Dena Morgan, a traveler attempting to return to Boston, unpacked her hurdles after her 10:30 a.m. flight on JetBlue was cancelled once they were already about to board at the gate. “It’s a little frustrating that there is never any sort of contingency, good backup plan. You can’t get online to do anything,” she said, reflecting the sentiments of many stranded passengers.

Carter Langley, an Ohio native traveling with friends from Columbus to California, faced similar challenges. After a layover in Austin, they found themselves rerouted to Tampa. “We were supposed to catch a flight this morning. That one got canceled. They booked us another flight. That flight got canceled. Then, another flight got canceled,” he said. Langley noted they hoped to land by 11 p.m. tomorrow night, roughly 50 hours after their original arrival time.

The travel disruptions come as several counties and school districts in Florida, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Hernando, kick off their spring breaks today. Airport officials have reported that TPA is expected to see 3.1 million passengers between March 5 and April 13, coinciding with the spring break season and upcoming March Madness games in Tampa on Friday and Sunday.

Despite the chaos, some travelers, like a New York passenger bound for Chicago, who didn’t want to go on-camera, have chosen to extend their stay in Tampa to enjoy the local festivities. As the vice president of his company, he told 10 Tampa Bay News he can work from anywhere and was planning to stay in Tampa an extra week for the collegiate basketball games.

As travel woes continue, many travelers are left hoping for smoother journeys in the days ahead.