Winter Storm Elsewhere Could Mean Delays at RSW This Weekend

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Travelers flying to or from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) this weekend may want to pack a little extra patience along with their carry-ons.

While skies over Southwest Florida are expected to remain calm, a major winter storm impacting large portions of the United States is already disrupting airline schedules nationwide. Those ripple effects could translate into delays or cancellations for flights arriving at or departing from RSW, even though local weather conditions are not the problem.

Flight tracking data shows some delays already affecting incoming and outgoing flights, largely tied to aircraft and crews coming from storm-affected regions. Airlines often reposition planes across the country, meaning a delay in Chicago, Denver, or New York can quickly snowball into schedule issues in Florida.

Security screening at RSW is currently operating normally, with wait times remaining relatively short. Airport officials say the biggest uncertainty lies not at the terminal itself, but in the broader airline system.

Travel experts advise passengers to closely monitor their flight status throughout the weekend, as conditions can change quickly. Allowing extra travel time, arriving early, and having a backup plan in case of rebooking are all recommended.

In short: RSW isn’t bracing for bad weather, but it may still feel the chill from winter storms hundreds — or even thousands — of miles away.