Southwest travelers find alternatives following cancellations as luggage overflow continues

EL PASO, Texas -- As thousands of Southwest Airlines flights continue to be canceled or delayed, it resulted in an overflow of luggage at the El Paso International Airport.

Dozens of bags have been left behind, waiting to be claimed by their owners.

This also prompts concerns from some passengers who don't know where their luggage is.

Airport officials told ABC-7 that airlines manage baggage, but out of an abundance of caution, they were adding extra security patrols in the baggage claim area.

ABC-7 spoke with one traveler who said he hasn't found his luggage since Monday.

Karrll Matos said he traveled to El Paso from Miami at the beginning of the week to spend the New Year's holiday with friends. He traveled on Frontier Airlines, but sa

He said inside his baggage there are clothes, shoes, electronics, medicine and other personal items. He said he has been visiting the airport since Monday in hopes he'll find his belongings.

Matos said the airline hasn't provided him with any answers. He has lost hope he'll find his belongings.

Meanwhile, other travelers are finding other solutions to get back home following several cancellations by Southwest.

ABC-7 spoke with some travelers who were choosing to drive to their destinations instead of fly.

Zansia Solis said she came to El Paso for Christmas. On Thursday she was renting a car to drive back to Houston.

Solis said she was frustrated when she first heard about the ongoing cancellations.

"It was difficult just because you know we booked tickets really early. We were looking for really good prices. A two-hour flight is really different from a 10-hour drive," she said.

Solis said it would be cheaper to find a rental car than to find three new airplane tickets.

"We are trying to be good sports about it, but it is an inconvenience that we are having to take on and just trying to keep my 10-year-old son entertained and keep the puppy entertained as well," she said.

Solis wasn't the only one choosing to drive back.

Michele Morales said she was trying to get back to Dallas. Morales said it was a cheaper option to rent a car.

She said her travel plans were disrupted.

"My plan was to go back home, but with everything going on we just said let's just rent a car," she said.

Southwest continues to operate roughly one-third of its schedule for Thursday, Dec. 29.

Officials said they plan to return to normal operations with minimal disruptions on Friday, Dec. 30.

Southwest Airlines officials have pledged to make things right with customers and employees. Those needing help tracking luggage can visit this site set up by Southwest Airlines.

We’ve let our Customers and Employees down, and we pledge to do everything we can to make it right. If you still need assistance rearranging your travel, getting a refund, or tracking down your luggage, please visit https://t.co/II3YgdPy7J. pic.twitter.com/64Fdt8jJPn

— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) December 29, 2022