Most systems are back to normal for many industries and businesses affected by Friday's CrowdStrike update that caused a massive outage of devices running Microsoft Windows.
Except for Delta Airlines, where drama seems far from over.
Connected: CrowdStrike's CEO responds to his Biggest IT Outage in History update
On Tuesday, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the DOT has opened an investigation into Delta and the post-outage chaos to “ensure the airline is following the law and taking care of its passengers during the ongoing widespread disruptions.”
While you should first try to resolve issues directly with the airline, we want to hear from passengers who believe Delta did not meet passenger protection requirements enforced by the USDOT during recent travel disruptions. We will follow. https://t.co/Noj5A5hE8w
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) July 23, 2024
Between Friday and Monday, over 1,000 flights were canceled by the airline, leaving many stranded and even more without their luggage.
As of Tuesday morning, Delta had already canceled another 451 flights (12% of the total flight schedule for the day), and continues to grow. The number of delayed flights was 656 at press time.
On Sunday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian sent an email to customers, blaming the blackout about the impact of crew tracking software, despite other airlines getting back up and running.
“One of our related crew tracking tools was affected and was unable to effectively process the unprecedented number of changes caused by the system shutdown,” Bastian wrote. “Our teams have been working around the clock to recover and restore full functionality.”
of New York Times is reporting that Delta is barring unaccompanied minors from flying during the ongoing chaos to “protect” minors from possible separation from their families and guardians during delays or cancellations.
Hundreds complained on social media over the weekend and earlier this week about the massive outages and cancellations.
The Atlanta airport is packed. Mothers with small children on the floor in the terminal. The line for customer service is 1/2 mile long. There are no rental cars. Few hotel options. People have been stuck here for 3 days.
If there were no greater national news- @Delta The CEO would be dragged in to testify. pic.twitter.com/tGSRGyxYG5
— Cole T. Lyle (@ctlyle1) July 22, 2024
Delta has completely dropped the ball on this one.
My family and I are stuck in the Atlanta airport for 4 days.
0 cars for rent
0 hotels (was able to get one through a rewards program 25 minutes from the airport for tonight)
0 flights available
4-5 hours in line until… pic.twitter.com/O6GRssOrdk— Multifamily Mad (@MultifamilyMad) July 22, 2024
For the last decade I have flown first class @Delta for every single flight.
Never again.
You just lost a customer for life.
Terrible customer service. Canceled flights without refund. No response from anyone.
REST IN PEACE, @Deltayou are dead to me pic.twitter.com/ln7AJAr0j1
— Jason Helmes (@anymanfitness) July 22, 2024
Welcome to Day 5 of the Delta Meltdown.
400 canceled flights and counting when the sun comes up. 244 others overdue.
This is better than this time yesterday … but still unacceptable.
It will take at least a few more days before this is fully fixed. Tighten.
— Kyle Potter (@kpottermn) July 23, 2024
Buttigieg said he spoke with Bastian to make sure customers were compensated and booked.
“I have made it clear to Delta that we expect the airline to provide immediate refunds to customers who choose not to book, as well as complimentary reservations and timely refunds for meals and overnight hotel stays to customers affected by the delays.” and cancellations, as well as adequate. customer service assistance for all their passengers,” Buttigieg said, per ABC News. “No one should be stranded at an airport overnight or stuck on hold for hours waiting to speak to a customer service agent.”
Bastian told customers in an email that those affected would receive vouchers for food, hotels, travel and DeltaSkymiles.
Connected: Delta estimates $100 million in losses due to Olympics
Earlier this month, the airline reported its second-quarter 2024 earnings, estimating a loss of $100 million in revenue this summer due to low travel volume to France during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Delta did not immediately return of the entrepreneur request for comment.