Dozens of Maryland senior citizens get stuck in Philadelphia on their way to Ireland.
They say their airline didn't take them seriously until they threw a fit on social media and called FOX 29.
They feel like they were the punch line of a bad joke. The situation was rectified, but the group says for about 24 hours it felt like just that.
Father Sylvan Capitani and 48 other senior citizens were headed to Dublin, Ireland, for a religious pilgrimage and a little Notre Dame football. Their US Airways flight was supposed to leave Thursday at 9 p.m., but they only got as far as the runway.
They said a flat tire was the first problem, then a compression problem, so they had to de-plane.
Capitani said he and his group waited in the terminal until 3:30 a.m., when the flight was canceled.
US Air gave them hotel vouchers, but they came back only a few hours later in hopes of catching the next plane out. Bused to Philly from Maryland, the group had no transportation out of the airport and, with only boarding passes from a canceled flight the night before, they couldn't even get past security and into the terminal to eat.
Frustrated, Father Capitani says his group resorted to social media and FOX 29. It all changed quickly when a US Airways senior manager got involved. The group was given a late lunch and then, somehow or another, they got put on another flight for Friday night.
US airways says they had a tough time accommodating the large group, especially in light of Saturday's Notre Dame game in Dublin. So, the airline scheduled an additional flight just to accommodate the group. They are very grateful.
About 23 hours after the group was supposed to leave, they finally took off. US Airways did offer sincere apologies to the group but says they had to cancel the flight Thursday night because safety is their No. 1 priority.
FOX 29's Stephanie Esposito was live at Philadelphia International Airport on Friday night and has more in this video report on what happened.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:05 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:05:26 GMT
The Camden County Police Department has released the photos of two missing jueveniles hoping that someone will recongize them and know thier whereabouts. The following information is directly from a
The Camden County Police Department has released the photos of two missing juveniles hoping that someone will recognize them and know their whereabouts.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-06-19 17:52:58 GMT
Bensalem police have arrested the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in. They previously released a series of suspect photos to help in the search.
Bensalem police have arrested the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in. They previously released a series of suspect photos to help in the search.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:36 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:36:01 GMT
Today is National Dine Out Day! Over 2,000 restaurants are participating and locally, the funds raise will go to support Hurricane Sandy victims and relief efforts. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
Today is National Dine Out Day! Over 2,000 restaurants are participating and locally, the funds raise will go to support Hurricane Sandy victims and relief efforts. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:47:57 GMT
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:22 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:22:31 GMT
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:44 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:44:27 GMT
An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:38:47 GMT
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:19 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:19:02 GMT
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and out Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and our Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:15 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:15:45 GMT
AP PHOTO
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:38:35 GMT
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
WTXF-TV 330 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796
