Holiday travelers continue moving through Philadelphia airport despite weather-related delays

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Travel remained busy Monday at Philadelphia International Airport as travelers continued arriving and departing after the Fourth of July holiday weekend, even after weather-related flight disruptions caused cancellations.

Some passengers said they experienced delays but were still able to reach their destinations.

"Our first flight got cancelled but we were lucky enough to get this flight," said Liam Chowley, of Haverford.

Travelers continued filling airport terminals as many visitors headed home following the holiday.

"My travel experience coming from Florida to Philadelphia was great. Now going back I'm delayed for an hour," said Gloria of Fort Lauderdale.

Sunday marked the busiest travel day of the holiday period, with about 108,000 arriving and departing passengers moving through Philadelphia International Airport. Airport officials expected another 102,000 travelers Monday.

Weather added challenges to the busy travel period. The airport recorded 102 flight cancellations Sunday, with dozens more cancellations reported Monday.

Still, several travelers said their experiences were smoother than expected.

"We didn't experience any craziness they said we would, thank God," said Briya Biggs of Northeast Philadelphia.

Another traveler said the crowds were lighter than anticipated.

"I'm actually shocked that it's not more crowded. It's not crowded at all. I was expecting long lines and long wait times. We were in and out both airports," the traveler said.

Airport officials anticipated more than 681,000 passengers would travel through Philadelphia International Airport during the holiday travel period, a 5% increase from last year.

Airport officials advised passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and allow extra time, particularly with the possibility of changing weather conditions.

Those who left the Jersey Shore in the earlier part Monday lucked out with the weather and less traffic compared to the last couple of days.

"Yeah straight to work," said Carl Forcillo.

From the shore and now back to reality, Forcillo said he drives from Wildwood Crest at the Shore, to the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia.

Forcillo said he avoided the worst of the 4th of July traffic back to Philadelphia since he left the Shore on Monday mornings.

"So far so good. It's been moving pretty good," Forcillo said.

AAA said the 4th is always the busiest travel holiday of the summer and that this year more than 800,000 people in the Philadelphia region drove to their destinations.

Severe storms over the weekend also made it more difficult for drivers this year.

"Everyone I was texting with said they were in traffic like three hours to get into South Philadelphia," said Karen Macleod.

Karen and Frank Macleod appear to be having an easier drive than the majority of people who left the shore Sunday.

"It was pretty smooth coming from Sea Isle," said Karen Macleod.

Frank Macleod added, "It's the first time we did it this year where we drove up on a Monday morning. We were expecting it to be worse."

The retirees had time to make a stop and say they'll still make it to the city in time.