Stranded Tourists Seek Answers At Orlando Airport

ORLANDO, Fla. --

Frustrated tourists at Orlando International Airport sought answers as flights to Europe finally resumed on Wednesday.

Representatives from the British consulate were surrounded by tourists who said they're running out of money, food and accommodations.

British passengers said they're weary from days of delays and running out of cash. They saw the British flag next to the British Airways counter as a ray of hope.

It wasn't. Most of the information directed people to call their airline or travel insurance provider.

"We found out they have given a number to us, and all it says is, 'Sorry. We don't have planes in the air today. Call back later when they start flying again,' and that's not information," British passenger Ken Smith said.

"It's all a publicity stunt of the British government ... and then you get the British Airways staff and see what they have, and there's no help from any of this lot," British passenger Will Flemming said.

Airport officials estimated 21,450 passengers routed through Orlando International Airport have experienced delays that have already lasted between one day and one week. Most could be stranded for another week or two.

June and Ken Ricketts are on standby, spending $200 per day on food, hotel and a rental car. They're not sure when they'll get home. Their first guaranteed flight on Virgin Air is April 30.

"Safety does come first, and I don't think anybody would thank the airlines or the government if a plane fell out of the sky, but I do think there was an overreaction, and I think it has taken too long to deal with it," Ken Ricketts said.

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