Rhode Island family forced to extend trip in Aruba amid travel restrictions

The FAA has lifted temporary airspace restrictions affecting parts of the Caribbean that were put into place following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela.

However, travelers are still dealing with the ripple effect.

Flights across multiple island destinations were cancelled or delayed during the restriction, and travel experts say even with airlines reopening, the effects can last for days – sometimes weeks.

Rhode Island native John Clarkin was at the tail end of his scuba-diving trip in Aruba with family when the disruptions hit.

NBC 10’s Martha Konstandinidis reports as air travel restrictions are lifted. (WJAR)

“We got to the lobby and saw it was a madhouse,” Clarkin said. “We didn’t know what was going on because we hadn’t been watching the news while on vacation.”

What was supposed to be a one-week trip turned into an extended stay for the family. Clarkin says the stress wasn’t just about getting home, it was about where to stay next.

“It just became pandemonium because at that point we had no nights to stay here,” said Clarkin.

The Clarkin family eventually found a way out through Miami, but he says many other travelers are still having trouble finding a seat and reasonable price.

“By the time you get to the shopping cart, the tickets have gone up $2,000,” he said.

Even with airlines delay or cancel flights, the added expenses keep stacking. Hotels, meals, transportation, and sometimes missed work back home.

That’s why travel experts say documentation is everything if you’re looking to get reimbursed.

Suzanne Morrow, Chief Executive Officer of Insure My Trip, says travelers should start saving receipts immediately.

“Keep copies of everything. All receipts, every expense that incurred since you were supposed to depart,” said Morrow. “The first place to go for something like this is actually the airline.”

If you’re traveling soon, there are ways to protect yourself.

“The most important takeaway is understand your coverage, usually before you travel,” said Morrow. “But don’t assume events like this are automatically covered.

AAA Northeast Public Relations Director Jillian Young says downloading your airlines app and turning on alerts is the quickest way to learn about flight changes.

Last, consider working with a travel agent. Young says travel agents can help rebook flights, reroute travelers, and cut through any uncertainty.

Even with restrictions lifted, experts say delays could still linger as airlines work through the backlog.

As flights begin to normalize, Clarkin had one message for future travelers, “Don’t be afraid of traveling because of unusual events like this because traveling is incredible.”