CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – After waiting in long lines at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, travelers trying to dodge the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby have in many cases been stranded for hours.

One person called the experience “a nightmare.”

That nightmare has of course included flight delays and cancellations, but also baggage claim issues.

In Charlotte Douglas’ baggage claim area, dozens and dozens of bags sat unclaimed in a roped off area Monday night into Tuesday. Either the bags made it and the people did not, or the bags did not make their connection flight.

“I planned to bring my carry-on on the plane and had to gate check it, so ideally I try to avoid these situations,” one passenger said. “It’s my first time here in Charlotte’s airport and it seems pretty chaotic to be honest with you…but hopefully we get it figured out.”

Because Charlotte Douglas is a hub for American Airlines, it has seen some of the worst impacts.

American is, though, allowing travelers to change flights without a fee. The best bet is to do that from home on the app, not at the airport.

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