A Slow Start for Holiday Travelers

"This obviously is having a significant impact on our operations," said Megan McCarthy, a United spokeswoman. She said stranded passengers should not go to the airport unless they have a confirmed reservation on an operating flight.

Clay Foushee, an industry consultant, predicted that passengers "will see fallout from this for days" even after Denver reopens because airlines will have to get planes to the right places to handle the traffic.

"It's the domino effect," he added.

Passengers were also dealing with delay-related headaches in Minneapolis, where snow was moving in yesterday afternoon. "Denver is closed and Chicago is delay, delay, delay," said airport volunteer Jeri Friedman, who was busy directing weary travelers to quiet corners to ease their pain. "Some want to go to a hotel, some want to rest. That's the story of today."

One passenger was hoping to reach Italy for the holidays but first had to go through Chicago and London. His flight to O'Hare airport had been delayed four hours, and counting.

"I felt so bad for the guy," Friedman said. "God knows when he'll finally get to Milan and where his bags will end up."

John Becke, in town for company training, chose the way of Zen and beer to deal with the delays. His scheduled 3:30 p.m. flight to Chicago was delayed until at least 8 p.m. Seated at an airport bar with a tall Schell FireBrick Amber Lager, a flavorful local brew, he had his laptop open.

"It is what it is. What are you going to do?" asked Becke with a shrug. "I have a bite to eat. I have a beer. The company's paying for my dinner."

Staff writers Chris Kirkham in Washington and Peter Slevin in Minneapolis contributed to this report.