NJ passengers seek out alternate travel options amid flight reduction chaos
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it doesn'thave enough air traffic controllers to monitor the skies amidst the ongoing government shutdown.
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Some New Jersey passengers are looking for other ways to travel amid the impact of hundreds of cancelations due to flight reductions at airports nationwide.
"We have been traveling, I think almost 12 and a half hours total," said Stephanie O'Brien, who was stuck at Newark International Airport on her way home to Chicago.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it doesn'thave enough air traffic controllers to monitor the skies amidst the ongoing government shutdown.
"Our flight was supposed to be right now. It's been pushed. We're thinking most likely, we're going to get in there, wait for a bunch of hours and then they're going to cancel it," said Mark Zachary, another passenger who was stuck at Newark Airport on Saturday.
Some weary travelers went in search of alternate options at Newark Penn station.
"We've talked about renting a car. The train might be an option as well, but a flight would obviously be more ideal but just not sure if that's going to happen," O'Brien said.
Not all alternatives, however, were a breeze for passengers either.
"It was extremely crowded at every stop. They made a point to say the train was sold out," saidTrevena Garel, who travelled on Amtrak from Washington D.C to Newark. "They did make mention also that the train is as crowded as it is because of all the flight cancellations."
Amtrak told News 12 it started seeing a spike in bookings before the government shutdown began. However, the company said reservations have been picking up even more with Thanksgiving holiday approaching.
