Delta Airlines continues to struggle with significant flight cancellations and delays, with 1400 flights affected on Monday alone, representing nearly one-third of the airline’s daily flights. This comes after a software update from CrowdStrike caused a global grounding of flights, impacting Delta and several other major airlines. Delta announced that they would waive change fees for affected customers and provide them with Delta SkyMiles as compensation.
Despite other airlines recovering from the weekend of travel chaos, Delta has not yet returned to normal service, with 37% of their flights on Monday either canceled or delayed. CEO Ed Bastian stated that the software issue affected one of Delta’s crew tracking-related tools, leading to the disruptions. Many Delta customers have filed complaints with the Department of Transportation, with complaints ranging from poorly-communicated cancellations to a lack of refunds for canceled flights and lengthy wait times with customer service.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the situation, stating that customers are entitled to prompt refunds for canceled flights and calling on Delta to reimburse affected customers for unplanned expenses such as food and lodging. Hundreds of complaints have been lodged with the Department of Transportation, highlighting the frustration and inconvenience faced by Delta customers during this turmoil. Despite the chaos, Delta has yet to provide a comment on the situation.
In the days following the faulty CrowdStrike update, a total of 3,403 flights were canceled in the U.S. on Friday, with an additional 4,000 cancellations over the weekend. By Monday, nearly 900 cancellations were reported, indicating some improvement in the situation. However, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International airport, Delta’s main hub and the busiest airport in the world, has witnessed the most canceled flights throughout the ordeal. The disruption caused by the software error has had a significant impact on air travel in the U.S.
In April, Buttigieg’s transportation department introduced a rule defining the circumstances under which airline customers are entitled to refunds. Previously, airlines could set their own refund policies, but the new rule mandates refunds for canceled or significantly changed flights, delayed baggage, and unfulfilled services like in-flight entertainment. The refunds must be automatic, prompt, and issued in cash, ensuring that passengers receive the compensation they deserve in such situations. The implementation of this rule aims to protect passengers’ rights and hold airlines accountable for disruptions to their travel plans.
