Family Stranded in Puerto Rico After Flight Cancellations

A Colorado family is currently stranded in Puerto Rico following the cancellation of their Frontier flight back to the United States. The disruption occurred on the morning of January 3rd, coinciding with the news of Nicolas Maduro's capture by the US government. Nilgen Velazco, the 34-year-old mother, successfully rebooked a flight for six days after their original departure date, but the extended stay has caused significant logistical and financial challenges for the family.

Despite having accommodation with family in Camuy, the delay has resulted in hundreds of dollars in unexpected expenses, including pet sitting and airport parking fees. The situation has also forced both parents to utilize sick leave to cover missed work obligations. Velazco noted that while the situation is frustrating, they are attempting to make the best of it by visiting the beach, though they remain concerned about the geopolitical situation and the potential for further flight cancellations.

The Velazco family was scheduled to depart San Juan at 4 p.m. on January 3rd, returning to Colorado after visiting relatives since December 12th. Nilgen Velazco woke up at 9 a.m. to an email notification stating that their Frontier flight had been canceled. Upon turning on the news, the family learned of the events in Venezuela that had triggered the cancellations. Velazco described the moment as shocking, stating, "I genuinely thought it must all be a dream."

Immediately following the cancellation, Velazco contacted the airline to attempt to rebook their travel. She described a difficult process where seats were disappearing rapidly due to the high volume of passengers attempting to rebook simultaneously. After an hour on the phone, the family secured tickets for a flight departing six days after their original date. Velazco expressed uncertainty regarding this new itinerary, noting, "It's all very up in the air right now."

The extended delay has had a substantial impact on the family's finances. Velazco explained that the trip was meticulously budgeted for, as the family is not wealthy and had to save specifically for the holiday. The unexpected extension is projected to cost several hundred dollars more than anticipated. Specific costs include fees for their pet sitter, extended airport parking, and car rental. Velazco's mother had borrowed a car from a friend for their use, and the family has had to request an extension on that loan.

In addition to direct costs, the delay affects the family's professional and educational schedules. Velazco noted that she will need to use her sick leave to cover the time she misses from work, as she had already utilized her vacation leave for the trip and did not bring her work laptop. Her husband, Malcolm, faces the same situation. The disruption also affects the children; the 8-year-old is missing standardized testing and school, while the 4-year-old's nonrefundable preschool booking will be forfeited.

The Velazco family's experience is not an isolated incident. While attempting to make the best of the situation by taking their children to the beach, they met several other families with children who were experiencing the exact same travel disruptions. This shared experience highlights the widespread nature of the cancellations affecting travelers in Puerto Rico.

Velazco also expressed anxiety regarding the geopolitical implications of the events in Venezuela. She voiced concerns about potential retaliation and what Venezuela might do in response to the capture of Nicolas Maduro. "We're also nervous about what Venezuela might do in response to this attack, and if we'll still be here if and when something kicks off in Puerto Rico," she stated. The trip was intended to be the family's first Christmas visit to Puerto Rico to see relatives, making the turn of events particularly frustrating for them.