'Tired of the snow': MKE Airport prepares for busy spring break travel among winter weather

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Mitchell International Airport is preparing for a busy travel weekend as folks embark on spring break, along with big snow totals predicted for Saturday.

Saturday is expected to be the peak spring break departure day, with more than 12,000 flyers.

Despite a winter storm warning, airport staff say they're ready.

"I'm tired of the snow. I want to be on the beach, in the sand, in the warm weather," said spring break traveler, Dominic Hill.

That's a shared sentiment among many travelers heading somewhere warm this weekend.

"I'm just happy I'm leaving Wisconsin," said Carly Szubakowski.

Along with thousands of travelers comes a spring storm with several inches of snow.

"Our crews are ready to go, they'll be working 12-hour shifts to make sure the runways stay open and clear," said Christie Green with Mitchell Airport.

The airport is used to sloppy weather. They're asking travelers to plan accordingly.

"Make sure to arrive two hours early, just to give yourself a little time to go through security and check your bag," Green said.

Some airlines are offering hundreds to give up Friday seats. For travelers like Lisa Hill, it wasn't worth the risk.

"I might have considered it because we had some flexibility, but with the weather coming I thought, we might not get on that flight. So, didn't want to lose too many days," Hill said.

A few flights are already being affected by weather down south.

"I think our plane was delayed into Dallas because of the terrible weather. They were having hail there and severe wind," said Jennifer Szubakowski.

Spring breakers are crossing their fingers after tough travel over the winter.

"Last time when we went for winter break, we got stuck there because of Southwest. So, we're going United this time," said traveler, Kathleen Krautheim.

Wisconsinites, rushing out of town to escape the snow and its responsibilities.

"I forgot to ask my neighbor to shovel. I didn't even think about that," Szubakowski said.

Airport officials recommend that travelers download their airline's mobile app for the latest delays or cancellations.