Florida Scots Beat Holiday Airlines Chaos

By DEBORAH ANDERSON

HUNDREDS of Scots holidaymakers caught up in the latest airline collapse flew home unaware of the fl ights fi asco.

They jetted into Glasgow from Orlando, Florida, after being transferred to an alternative airline because the firm they booked with were linked to giants XL, which went bust on Friday.

Many had booked their Florida holidays with Travel City Direct and flew out with the firm, but it was one of the companies involved in the XL chaos.

While travellers at European destinations endured delays and cancellations trying to get home, the American travellers had little disruption.

Some families even turned up at Orlando’s Sanford airport on Monday night unaware their firm had been plunged into crisis.

They arrived back at Glasgow Airport at 10am yesterday with Tulsabased Omni Air International – the same time they were due to return on their original fl ight.

Stephen McGregor, 24, and girlfriend Ashley Grassam, 22, from Pollok, enjoyed the last few days of their holiday and hoped for the best.

Stephen said: “We had heard from family back home about what was happening, but we did not let it worry us.”

Scott Martin, 38, of Baillieston, who was travelling with his family, said: “We were told to be at the airport at our normal check- in time and there was no mention of having to pay extra.

“I think Omni were even better than the original lot.”

In yesterday’s Evening Times we reported how Cambuslang couple Janice and Billy Black were among dozens who had a two-day ordeal to get home from Cyprus.

deborah. anderson eveningtimes. co. uk

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

(c) 2008 Evening Times; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.