Passengers flying from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey have been expressing their concerns over travel delays following a series of airport mishaps. Experts are suggesting alternative travel options, and bus companies have reported a notable rise in ridership.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented ground delays at EWR attributed to staffing shortages, weather conditions, and ongoing construction. A recent report indicated that air traffic controllers temporarily lost access to radar and radio signals.
Brandon Bruwett, the author of “How to Avoid Strangers on Airplanes,” mentioned that he finds EWR unreliable lately, though he still opts to use that airport. He noted, “If it were somewhere else in New Jersey, I’d likely still fly to Newark, but I usually look for the quickest flights with fewer delays.” He added, “I’m currently steering clear of connecting flights through EWR to ensure more reliability.”
For those traveling to New York City, Bruwett recommends considering other airports. “We’ll look at alternatives like LaGuardia and JFK until the runway reopens and air traffic control staffing stabilizes,” he said, acknowledging that this choice might lead to heavier traffic but feels it’s worth the effort to avoid delays.
Travel expert Gary Leff advised against using New York airports for connecting flights, noting that travelers’ experiences could vary based on their specific location within the city. One Reddit user raised questions about changing flights from EWR to JFK, wondering how concerned they should be. Responses varied, with one person humorously commenting on their experience returning from New Mexico to Newark.
Social media has become a platform for discussing the ongoing confusion at EWR, with Reddit threads attracting hundreds of comments. Users have shared their frustrations, detailing experiences with long delays, unexpected baggage issues, and overall dissatisfaction with their travels. One Redditor even mentioned two frustrating recent experiences at EWR.
Meanwhile, Greyhound and Flixbus observed a substantial surge in ridership, attributed to the flight disruptions at Newark. A spokesperson noted a 35% rise in passengers within three days and indicated an 80% increase in ticket sales over the past year. As they monitor the situation closely, the spokesperson emphasized the importance of bus travel as a reliable and affordable alternative for travelers affected by cancellations and delays.
Bus Trips as a Viable Alternative
The Flix North America representative remarked, “We’re prepared to assist passengers facing cancellations and delays, as bus travel offers an essential option to help them reach their destinations.”
