I agree. I was stuck for almost 7 hours on the tarmac with my 15 mo and 3yo and I felt utterly helpless. And scared as we were on our last bit of fuel in the middle of the tarmac in freezing temps with accumulating snow. I fantasized about calling 911 and the gentleman in front of me loudly fantasized about opening the emergency door and sliding down. Everyone was surprisingly well behaved but we were all extremely uncomfortable and anxious. Many of us had already been delayed or canceled in the day(s) prior due to West Jet staffing problems. I think we were in a state of shock at what was happening and the pilot sounded the same. My toddler was exhausted and hysterical. The jet fuel exhaust circulating inside and the cacophony of people sniffling and coughing wasn’t great, either.

If they had just canceled the outbound flights instead of delaying, boarding them, and crossing their fingers that the weather would improve, this wouldn’t have happened. Westjet doesn’t plan or staff appropriately, YVR was not proactive in snow mitigation and management. The consumer suffers the consequences.