PORTLAND (WGME) – Morning snowfall in Maine made for a slow start for leisure travelers, but airline technical problems became a major inconvenience as roads were cleared.

American Airlines suspended all flights for approximately an hour this morning due to technical issues with its flight operations system. The airline is now operational again, but the stop caused delays for some vacationers in Maine.

Mason Sheehan was scheduled to fly from Portland to North Carolina this morning for the holidays. But before he arrived at the airport, he received a notification that his American Airlines flight was grounded.

“It was just a whole day of hiccups,” Sheehan said. “It is still delayed and there have been no updates. You know, some areas fly, some don’t, but I just took the safer option and booked a new flight.”

A new flight meant a longer drive in the morning snow to the airport in New Hampshire.

“Definitely an inconvenience, definitely costly, more money,” Sheehan said.

While the snow conditions gave many drivers a difficult start, the weather quickly cleared up.

“Honestly, it’s a little bumpy further up north,” said Shane Edwards, who was driving from Farmington, Maine to Massachusetts. “I got a little swayed on the back roads, but then we got on the highway and things started to clear up a bit.

“We’re just glad the roads are clear because nobody wants to drive in a lot of snow,” said Tamesin Fleenor, who was driving from Durham, Maine, to Massachusetts.

For travelers looking to take to the skies, Maine’s snow didn’t seem to pose much of a problem.

“This is my first time traveling anywhere for Christmas and I’m very excited,” said Lisa Hamilton, who flew from Baltimore to Portland. “The airport was wonderful and the plane ride was good too.”

However, some unfortunate travelers facing technical delays could miss out on some vacation plans.

Sandra Wentworth’s flight from North Carolina to Portland arrived on time, but her brother’s flight from Texas was badly delayed after flights were grounded this morning, and he will have to miss some holiday parties on Tuesday.

“Uh, a few parties, but that’s fine. They will be here tomorrow. That’s the important part,” Wentworth said.

Despite the frustrating delays, Sheehan said it would be worth coming home for Christmas.

“It’s definitely worth seeing family and friends,” Sheehan said.