The signs were all there; several news reports of Allegiant Air canceling flights on Saturday, emergency landings, mechanical problems and a battle between the company and union employees, including the flight crew.  Still, with the flight booked to Myrtle Beach for a much needed vacation and no refund as an option, one could only head to the airport and hope for the best.

That's what passengers were saying as the waited through a host of delays on Sunday

Another day of delay from Allegiant Airlines, Syracuse, NY Sunday, June 28, 2015. (Photo by Alison Keeler)
Another day of delay from Allegiant Airlines, Syracuse, NY Sunday, June 28, 2015. (Photo by Alison Keeler)
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night in the terminal at Hancock Airport in Syracuse.

It was just the day before that Allegiant cancelled several flights, including one from Syracuse to St. Petersburgh Florida, leaving passengers stranded.

Flight 1119 was supposed to exit Syracuse bound for Myrtle Beach at 8:20.  During the later afternoon, the company sent out an alert that delayed the flight by 90 minutes.  What came next was promises from airport staff that the flight would not be cancelled; however, every time the plane was supposed to leave Myrtle Beach for the nearly 90 minute flight to Syracuse, it would end up being delayed.

At 11 p.m. passengers were becoming impatient.

"The plane still hasn't left from Myrtle," one woman yelled, as a rush of people questioned employees at the gate.  Allegiant staffers continued to assure passengers, "We will fly out tonight. This flight won't be cancelled."

Related- Read about Saturday's disaster and how to get a refund from Allegiant Air

Meanwhile, one woman from Utica with an infant was complaining that her child had run out of formula and passengers were being told if they left the terminal, they couldn't get back in to catch the flight.  Additionally, releases from Allegiant said refunds would only be issued if the flight was cancelled and as Sunday was nearing an end, it seemed as if Allegiant had no plans to cancel the flight.

Several excuses were given for the delay-

  • Weather problems in South Carolina
  • Mechanical problems
  • A connecting flight from Ohio was delayed
  • They were looking for a new flight crew

Every time passengers spoke with someone different, they received a different answer.

The latest update from airport staff just after 11 p.m. had the flight leaving Syracuse at 1:05 a.m. with arrival in Myrtle at 2:53 a.m..  Only time will tell.

Many passengers were asking staff if they would just cancel the flight, so they could receive a refund and drive to Myrtle Beach.  Refunds are not issued unless the airline cancels the flight.

Watch this video as WIBX's Bill Keeler asked questions of Allegiant Air at the gate. (In fairness, these employees seem to be as much in the dark as the passengers. It's clearly not their fault.)

UPDATE: Flight 1118 from Myrtle Beach arrived at Syracuse Hancock International Airport at 12:36 a.m.  -   Flight 1119 from Syracuse to Myrtle Beach is scheduled to fly out at 1:15 a.m. with arrival in Myrtle Beach estimated at 3:03 a.m..

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