An IT outage caused chaos for air passengers around the world as several U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, experienced communication problems leading to delays and cancellations. Over 2,600 flights were canceled and nearly 9,200 were delayed, impacting airports globally. The outage was blamed on an update defect for Microsoft Windows hosts.
Passengers like William Sikora III faced frustration and uncertainty as airports and airlines struggled to maintain operations. The disruption affected various systems used by airlines, causing delays and cancellations. Airlines issued waivers and provided flexibility to affected travelers, allowing rebooking or refunds for canceled or delayed flights.
The aviation sector, sensitive to scheduling, was hit hard by the outage, causing disruptions in services, check-ins, and flight schedules. Passengers were advised to arrive early for their flights and to stay informed about any delays or cancellations. Travelers were urged to contact their airlines for the latest information and monitor the FAA website for updates.
While airlines worked to restore normal operations, customers were reminded of their rights regarding compensations for delays and cancellations. The Department of Transportation requires airlines to offer refunds if flights are canceled, with additional compensation possible in cases within the airline’s control. Travelers experiencing significant delays were advised to inquire about meal or hotel accommodations, with airlines handling compensation on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, affected passengers were encouraged to file claims with their respective airlines for any compensation owed.
Source
Photo credit www.usatoday.com