Air passengers encountered significant frustration and inconvenience on Friday due to a technology outage that caused chaos at airports in Europe and the United States. Numerous individuals turned to social media to share images of crowded terminals and grounded flights as major airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Allegiant Air were compelled to cancel or delay their flights owing to the outage.
The disruption was triggered by a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike that impacted the Microsoft computer systems of various corporate customers, including several airlines. Consequently, a multitude of crucial systems, such as passenger check-in and aircraft weight calculations, experienced issues that are crucial for the smooth operation of flights.
By midday, over 2,200 U.S. flights had been cancelled, with an additional 6,000 experiencing delays, while the global count of cancelled flights surpassed 3,500. The situation left hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded and facing uncertain itineraries.
Jesse Neugarten, the founder and CEO of travel-search site Dollar Flight Club, cautioned that the repercussions of the outage could extend for several days. With peak summer travel season in full swing, alternative flight availability is limited, leaving airlines with little room to accommodate affected passengers.
In light of these challenges, affected passengers are advised to take a proactive approach. While airlines are expected to automatically rebook passengers, the process may take longer due to the backlog caused by the outage. Passengers can expedite the rebooking process by contacting the airline or seeking assistance through social media channels.
Neugarten suggested exploring alternative airports and airlines, as well as utilizing airline apps for up-to-date information on flight status and availability. He emphasized the importance of being flexible, particularly as long delays and cancellations could extend into the weekend.
With concerns about the impact on weekend travel, passengers are encouraged to monitor their flight status regularly and heed warnings from airlines to arrive at the airport well in advance of departure. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) app provides estimated wait times for security screening, enabling travelers to plan for potential delays.
Despite the disruption, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reassured that air traffic control systems remained operational and unaffected by the outage. Similarly, TSA screening procedures were reported to be operating as normal.
Passengers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to a full refund, regardless of the ticket’s refund policy. However, the possibility of securing alternative travel arrangements at short notice could outweigh the potential financial benefits of a refund. In Europe, travelers have additional rights under regulation EU261, which mandates compensation for cancellations and delays caused by the airline. While U.S. law does not provide for similar compensation, airlines have their own policies for reimbursing stranded passengers for expenses such as accommodations and meals.
In conclusion, while the aftermath of a technology outage disrupting air travel is undoubtedly challenging, passengers can take certain steps to navigate the situation effectively. Proactive communication with airlines, flexibility in travel plans, and awareness of passenger rights are essential elements in mitigating the impact of flight cancellations and delays.