Eagles Super Bowl: Winter weather does not stop fans on their way to Super Bowl LIX
Go Birds: Fans don't let bad weather stop their trip to Super Bowl
The weather was frightful but that did not deter Eagles fans from making their way to the airport and on to New Orleans to catch Super Bowl LIX.
PHILADELPHIA - Winter weather in Philadelphia could not and would not keep Eagles fans from getting to New Orleans to see the Birds in Super Bowl LIX.
The icy start to the morning on Thursday canceled and delays flights in and out of Philadelphia International Airport, impacting some heading to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX.
What we know:
Travelers were beaming with Eagles pride, feeling confident ahead of the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. Though many were nervous about their travels being hindered by the storm.
There are normally one to four flights to New Orleans, but this Super Bowl weekend there are 28 flights scheduled to New Orleans over the course of three days. 14 of those flights leave for New Orleans on Friday.
What they're saying:
Public Affairs Manager Heather Redfern said many airlines preemptively canceled flights due to the weather. She said about 115 flights were canceled with over 100 flights delayed.
"The crews were de-icing," said Redfern. "We had crews out overnight and early this morning putting liquid down so they could keep the roads clear, the runways clear, from ice."
Redfern said two of the six direct flights to New Orleans were delayed.
"I thought there could be a delay in my mind," said Mike Donnelly of Northeast Philly. "I said if I got to drive, I’m going to drive there."
"[My mom] was worried about maybe the plane being delayed. Maybe just me missing it because we didn’t make it on time," said Brian Mergenthal of Moorestown. "There’s plenty of things that can go wrong."
"The one biggest thing I would’ve liked to definitely not have was the de-icing situation of an airplane, so definitely impacted my travel," said M.C. Doug E.D, Philadelphia Police Department Community Relations DJ. "I wanted to make sure I got here early to the airport, but hey, so far, it’s been a smooth check in."
Flights delayed, canceled at Philadelphia International Airport due to icy conditions
Freezing rain and ice are creating a travel nightmare for those flying in and out of Philadelphia Thursday morning.
"My nephew bought me the ticket, which is amazing so I’m meeting up with him. We’re driving down," said Donnelly. "He said since I took him to his first Eagles game, he’s taking me to the Super Bowl."
"As much as I’m very excited to see the Eagles play, and when they beat the Chiefs, it’s going to be amazing, but I’m really excited to see Kendrick Lamar in the halftime show," said Mergenthal.
What's next:
Another storm system is expected this weekend. Redfern recommends keeping in touch with your airline in case of cancelations or delays.