Our Family is Stranded in Puerto Rico: Cancelled Flights and Financial Strain

On the morning of January 3rd, I awoke at 9 am with the intention of gearing up for our family’s journey back to Colorado. But a quick check of my phone showed me an email from the airline confirming our worst fear: our flight was canceled.

An Unexpected Twist During Our First Family Visit

My husband Malcolm, our kids aged eight and four, and I had come to Camuy, Puerto Rico for a much-awaited visit with my family starting December 12th. It was our first ever trip there with the kids and something we had been planning around the hectic government shutdown, making it challenging to secure flights.

We had no clue we'd face any returns issues, yet news from Venezuela broke while we slept, completely catching us off-guard and linking our trip unexpectedly to significant political events.

Flight Rebooking: A Six-Day Wait Ahead

In response to the cancellation, I immediately called our airline, frantically searching for alternative dates. It was a scramble for seats as many faced the same dilemma—stranded and eager for a way back home. After a tense hour, we secured seats on a flight six days later. However, the uncertainty of further cancellations loomed over us.

We’re fortunate in having a family residence here to tide us over, unlike others caught short without lodging.

Financial Pressure Mounts with Each Passing Day

Having budgeted tightly for this trip, every extra day strains our resources, covering unforeseen costs like pet care and airport parking. Our prearranged funds are diminishing faster than expected, posing a significant economic burden.

We also face disruptions to our children's education, with standardized tests missed for our eldest, and prepaid preschool days lost for the youngest.

On the work front, I’ve exhausted my vacation leave and now resort to sick leave to cover this unplanned hiatus. Malcolm is unfortunately in a similar predicament.

Transport is another issue; my mother had borrowed a vehicle for us which we now need longer than expected. In Puerto Rico, moving around without a car is not really feasible.

A Shared Struggle

Our plight isn’t unique. A trip to the beach revealed many other families in the same tough spot, adding the challenge of managing children to the already stressful scenario.

Amid our personal ordeal, the geopolitical tension lingers in our minds. Could the situation in Venezuela impact our ability to leave Puerto Rico if matters escalate?

What was meant to be cherished family time for the holidays turned into a complex entanglement of unforeseen events, leaving us concerned and questioning when we might finally head home.