For travelers trying to get to Chicago, Munich’s weekend was marred by a number of issues.
The problems began Friday when United Airlines Flight 952 experienced mechanical problems. The trouble continued for hours.
“What happened was just crazy,” said Anthony Jacobs, one of the hundreds on board at the time.
“We didn’t have a tow truck to pull the plane out of the gate, we didn’t have de-icing equipment. We had about two de-icing machines here in Munich,” said Jacobs of Munich Airport. “We had a four-hour mechanical problem that caused chaos with pilots timing out.”
Several hours later, before the plane was cleared for takeoff, the flight staff timed out and the flight was cancelled.
Passengers were forced to rebook. However, all flights were suspended at Munich’s airport on Saturday due to a rare snowstorm.
Despite the airport being completely closed, some customers told NBC 5 they were not notified of flight cancellations and still showed up at the airport, enduring the risk of travel.
The problem continued on Sunday.
“We had been on a plane for seven hours before that. [the staff] Timed out,” one commenter shared in a Facebook group created for affected passengers.”
Another traveler on the Facebook group said: “I was on the flight for well over 6 hours on Friday December 1st and was on board for over 10 and a half hours on Sunday December 3rd.”
Another passenger, Jake Tionko, said: “One of the worst, yet most memorable experiences I’ve ever had.” I scrambled to rebook, only to have it cancelled, and was able to secure an available hotel and get an Uber ride. We worked out a strategy for how to actually get people to come.”
Tionko and a few strangers took matters into their own hands and took a train to Frankfurt on Monday morning to catch a flight to Chicago.
“As if the flight delay wasn’t enough, the train broke down on the way to Frankfurt, where we had to sit and wait for a replacement train for two and a half hours,” he said.
Tiongco and his group landed at O’Hare late Monday afternoon.
Some are still stranded overseas, including Jacobs, who told NBC 5 she was forced off the plane Monday because of a medical emergency.
“The reason I haven’t taken any medication or diabetes medication for four days is because I didn’t prepare for this much. I didn’t pack any medication because I didn’t expect to be here this long. The stress was… I don’t have it. You don’t have to worry about it.’ I was thinking about it so much that it brought me to the brink of a nervous breakdown,” Jacobs said.
Moreover WebsiteUnited Airlines says that “extended tarmac delays may occur due to safety considerations, weather, air traffic control, operational and other factors.”
It added: “In the event of an extended tarmac delay, we will make every reasonable effort to ensure that we can meet your critical needs. If safety and security considerations permit, we will make every reasonable effort to ensure that your critical needs are met. This includes providing snack food and drinking water within the day.” The plane leaves the gate. ”
Aviation expert and Lewis University professor Eric Jones said the situation in Munich was the result of multiple factors.
“When you have a significant weather event like this, and you add in mechanical issues and crew timing issues, you get a perfect storm,” Jones said. “Unfortunately, our ability to safely and effectively transport passengers is completely dysfunctional, often resulting in traffic jams. I know I can keep them safe and out of harm’s way.”
he”Airline Passenger Bill of Rights;” was introduced earlier this year as a lifeline for travelers.
It sets out clear expectations and rules for how airlines can operate and how passengers will be affected,” Jones said. And the point to keep in mind is safety. One thing to keep in mind is the weather. ”
Some passengers said they received partial refunds from United Airlines. Some have paid thousands of dollars out of pocket for new flights, hotels, transportation and food.
“We are closely monitoring the winter weather conditions in Munich and are doing our best to serve our customers under these difficult conditions,” United Airlines said in a statement. travel exemption Due to extreme weather conditions, we are adding additional flights, including three flights that departed early today. ”