By admin 
FLAGSTAFF, AZ (AZFamily) — The Pocket Fire burning between Flagstaff and Sedona has created massive plumes of smoke and burned over 18,000 acres. It has just recently begun to impact travelers as well.
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Since Sunday, many people flying out of the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport have had their flights canceled due to temporary flight restrictions related to the fire.
People were lined up at the American Airlines counter at the Flagstaff Airport Wednesday morning with frustration written across their faces, including Alexandra Carpino, a Flagstaff local.
Carpino was scheduled to depart Pulliam Airport on Tuesday but has been on standby for the last 24 hours due to multiple flight cancellations.
“I was supposed to be sightseeing in Boston yesterday and today with my daughter, and I’m not,” she said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) placed a temporary flight restriction around parts of Flagstaff because of the Pocket Fire.
This was implemented as a preventative measure to keep commercial aircraft from interfering with the firefight. Due to the rugged terrain on which the fire burns, aircraft have been crucial to firefighters.
Carpino said even though the airport and American Airlines knew the restrictions were in place, they didn’t inform her until this morning. Leaving her to spend additional money on Shuttles down to Phoenix Sky Harbor, which many are already booked out.
“We are two and a half hours from Phoenix, and so all the shuttles to get to Phoenix today, there’s none available,” she said.
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Carpino is now worried about her return flight, which is before the restrictions lift on July 13, according to the FAA.
Flagstaff airport representatives would not speak on camera, but they did add that during the smaller overnight restrictions, some flights have been able to land and take off.
Carpino said she feels fortunate that she’s flexible, but also sympathizes with others who may be missing important life moments due to cancellations.
“If it’s a government decision to actually close the airport and close the runways, that is the information we need,” she said. “Because then we could have made better decisions and maybe we could find alternative flights.”
American Airlines has since issued a Travel Alert for customers planning to fly in and out of Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. AA representatives said customers are encouraged to manage their travel through the American Airlines app or by visiting aa.com. They may also contact American Airlines Reservations for assistance.
Impacted passengers can rebook their travel plans without change fees or request a refund if eligible.
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