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Major improvements with Southwest Airlines flights, but not perfect

There are still seas of luggage at airports across the country, including at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Things are looking up at airports across the country for Southwest Airlines passengers. The airline showed major improvements on Friday, and it said it returned to its normal operating schedule. 

A sea of bags are still at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Droves of unclaimed luggage still line the hallway by baggage claim. Many suitcases have shipping labels attached to be sent back to their owners. 

Even still, travelers have faced sky-high stress. For several days, people have tried getting home after their flights were canceled and rebooked for later in the week. Since Monday, FlightRadar24 reports more than 60% of Southwest Airlines flights were canceled. On Friday, Flight Aware reported only 1% of the airline's flights were canceled. 

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Southwest said it expected minimal disruptions for the upcoming weekend.

Glen Lanting was supposed to fly back from Chicago Midway to Charlotte on Monday. His flight was canceled three times. He told WCNC Charlotte on Friday he was pleasantly surprised by his travel day. 

“Today was pretty smooth," he said. "A sigh of relief. “Everything showed on time, no worries today.” 

If you ask the Archibald family, getting back to Charlotte from Dallas Love Field was still filled with a travel-sized pain in the neck.  

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“I mean it moved three times, we were supposed to get in at 1 p.m. and just now getting in now," Dan Archibald said. 

It was 4 hours later than scheduled, but he said there was progress from Saturday. 

“I felt it was moving a little better than it was on Saturday," Archibald said. 

Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

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