LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As extreme winter weather has swept across the country, it has caused unprecedented flight cancellations to impact flyers, including many who have been trying to get back to Arkansas.
Thousands of people have found themselves stranded at airports across the US with no idea when they could make it home or where their luggage is.
Many flyers have expressed that the last week has been anything but easy.
"I'm a little frustrated, but I think everybody is kind of going through the same thing right now," Alfred Warren, a traveler said.
He also said that he was scheduled to be out of Little Rock on Thursday.
"[Southwest Airlines] canceled my flight like two days in advanced, which was wild to me," Warren added.
Since his flight was canceled, his plans to ring in the new year with friends are down the drain.
Now, his biggest question may have a complicated answer.
"What am I going to do? Like, I need to get back before the new year," Warren explained.
He's not by himself in wondering that.
FlightAware reported that more than 4,600 flights were canceled on Wednesday.
So, what's next if your flight is canceled?
Cindy Minor, founder of Small World Big Fun travel agency said you can check in with your airline to see when your can rebook.
"A lot of times, you may be able to rebook your flight, you know, on your app and not have to worry about standing in a really long line," Minor described.
However, as we've seen, even that isn't always possible.
Getting a refund is the next option and that's even if you've booked a nonrefundable ticket.
"If you've paid for things like seat assignments or check bags that you're clearly not going to use, you should be able to get a refund for those," Minor said.
Additionally, if you can't get a refund, see about getting a credit for a future flight.
Meanwhile, the thousands of flight cancellations have severely impacted baggage claims.
Minor said there is something to keep in mind.
"When you check that, remember that is out of your hands and you may not get it back for a while. Do not pack things like medication or important documents," Minor said.
Despite his flight being canceled, Warren explained that he's at least happy to be home with family while visiting Little Rock.
Though, a flight credit or a refund is still up in the air for him.
"I kind of want my money back, so I might be requesting my refund pretty soon," Warren said.
Minor said to consider downloading a flight-tracking app.
It's also important to remember that if your baggage is delayed or lost, check in with the airline to see where and when it will arrive.