Airports Fill Up With Stuck Families and Stranded Travelers

Skies above America’s busiest airports were eerily empty on Friday, while terminals and baggage claim areas overflowed with confused passengers as flights were grounded across the country.

Chicago’s O’Hare, one of the nation’s busiest hubs, was a morass of confusion and frustration. Swarms of passengers attempted to rebook flights on their phones, and airline gate agents pleaded for patience as they repeated that they had no information to share.

Travelers sprawled out on the floor, settling in for what could become a long, uncomfortable night. Some headed to the city for the night, or home, abandoning their travel plans altogether.

More than 1.5 million people were scheduled to board flights departing after the Federal Aviation Administration announced a rare nationwide ground stop on Friday afternoon, according to Cirium, an aviation data firm.

Frank Foto, 34, worried that his family would not be able to leave Chicago in time to board a cruise ship on Saturday in Miami. The trip had been planned months ago to celebrate his mother-in-law’s 60th birthday, he said.

“On the bright side, I suppose it’s better than being stuck at sea — especially with him,” Mr. Foto said, gesturing toward his infant son.