Airlines Struggle to Recover from Major IT Outage

Airlines around the world are scrambling to recover from a significant IT outage that caused widespread disruptions at airports. Travel expert Katy Nastro from Going.com shares her insights on navigating travel chaos and offers practical tips for stranded passengers.

The IT outage, described as potentially the largest in history, led to the delay of over 13,000 flights and the cancellation of nearly 4,000. This incident has been compared to previous major disruptions such as the "snow apocalypse" of 2022 and the Southwest Airlines meltdown. Interestingly, Southwest Airlines emerged relatively unscathed during this crisis, operating with zero cancellations.

Advice for Stranded Passengers

Nastro emphasizes the importance of being proactive. She advises travelers to have alternative flights in mind and to utilize airline apps, which often provide rebooking options. In situations where app services fail, contacting international airline offices can result in quicker assistance, as demonstrated by Nastro's own experience when her flight to London was delayed.

Despite the disruptions, there are still travel deals available. Nastro highlights some attractive offers, such as round trips from Chicago to Rio De Janeiro for $518 and from Boston to Dublin for $403. She encourages travelers to act quickly as these deals can disappear rapidly.

As airlines work to resolve the fallout from the IT outage, passengers are reminded to stay informed and prepared. By taking proactive steps, travelers can navigate the ongoing challenges and make the most of available travel opportunities.