LAX still seeing moderate delays

The FlightStats.com index is at 2.5 (that's on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the worst). A number of flights to NY-area airports were canceled this morning, even though operations are slowly returning to normal. From the WSJ:

The storm showed how little margin for error exists in the U.S. air-transport system, with airlines trying to keep flights as full as possible. In many cases, carriers try to precancel flights before a storm so their customers don't come to the airport and end up camping there. Early cancellations also help preserve planes and crews that can be ready once the worst is over.

In the old days, airlines seemed to have an easier time bringing in empty planes to accommodate the passengers from canceled flights. Such maneuverings cost money, which is something the carriers are not happy about doing - especially for occasional events like blizzards. But when passengers are left stranded for days on end, it's a clear indication that the system is not working.