Local travel agency helps Iowans stuck in Europe

Skies are finally opening up in Europe, allowing planes to take off again. That's after an ash cloud from a volcano in Iceland grounded air travel for days.

Monday night, some planes were able to depart for their destinations.  Air traffic controllers are slowly reopening parts of the European sky. Airports in France and England are hoping to open on Tuesday.

At least 40,000 Americans are stuck overseas, including some Iowans.

Iowa City's Winebrenner Red Carpet Travel Agency received a call from a concerned client last week. University of Iowa Mechanical Engineer Professor Fred Stern was stuck in Turkey and couldn't find a flight back to America.

“We've gone through airline strikes and such, but not anything like a volcano,” Travel Counselor Tricia Wasion said.

The agency spent hours searching for a solution.

“It was very challenging. In my situation, I had to contact three different airlines,” Wasion said.

Stern travels all over the world to complete his work and frequently encounters delays and cancellations.

“If you travel a lot, you are used to all kinds of situations that can confront you. That's why I only take carry-on luggage. I'm very flexible in my travel,” Stern said.

When he and his colleagues in Turkey realized they were stuck, rumors started flying.

“People were talking about all the hotels being sold out in Istanbul, which is farfetched,” he said.

Luckily, the travel agency found a way to get him back to Iowa on Sunday.

“I was very happy to get to Chicago because I figured I can always get home now,” Stern said.

Stern left at a good time. His friends and colleagues are still stuck overseas.

There are plenty of Eastern Iowans still unable to fly back home.  However, they did not want to be identified because they're worried about people breaking into their homes while they're away.

By Mark Geary, KCRG-TV