Wish I’d taken a bus: My 24-hour US flight nightmare
Sydney Morning Herald
by Catherine MarshallFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A family’s planned two-and-a-half-hour flight from New York City to Chicago turned into a 24-hour nightmare due to unpredictable Midwest weather. After being stranded at LaGuardia Airport when their flight to O’Hare International Airport was canceled, they were rebooked on an indirect flight that first took them to Cleveland, Ohio, before attempting another trip to Chicago. However, upon arrival in Cleveland, the onward flight was also canceled, leaving them stranded overnight in a motel with limited resources. The family’s ordeal included navigating black ice-covered roads and eventually being forced to return to New York only to attempt the journey again the next day.
The travelers initially planned to embark on a two-and-a-half-week road trip along Route 66, starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, California. Their first hurdle was the unexpected cancellation of their flight due to high winds at O’Hare, which left them scrambling for alternative arrangements. Despite spending time in an airline lounge and enjoying the perks, they were ultimately delayed by a mix of poor weather conditions and operational limitations.
The situation turned chaotic when they were redirected to Cleveland, where they faced another canceled onward flight and had no choice but to stay in a motel overnight. The next morning, they were told their flight back to New York was also canceled, leaving them feeling trapped. After a tense standoff at the airport, they decided to hire a car and drive to Chicago despite unfavorable road conditions, only to discover their luggage remained on the previous flight.
The family’s persistence paid off when they finally boarded another flight from New York to Chicago after 24 hours of delays and detours. Their experience highlights the challenges travelers face when weather disrupts plans, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and contingency planning.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026