Friday’s wave of global IT outages, which affected CrowdStrike customers who use Windows products, has led to more than 1,100 flight cancelations and hundreds of delays in the U.S., leaving travelers to navigate uncharted next steps as major airlines deploy workarounds and slowly come back online.
With interim efforts underway at American Airlines, United and Delta, Nick Ewen, a travel expert and senior editorial director of The Points Guy, told ABC News that there’s a potential lengthier domino effect as they get back to fully operational.
“There may be knock-on effects with the impacted airlines throughout the day and even into the weekend,” he said. “This is because planes and crew members get stranded when a flight is cancelled, and if that plane and/or crew are scheduled to operate two more flights later in the day, and then another four the next day, all of those are at risk of being disrupted.”
Tips to navigate flight, travel delays and reimbursements this weekend amid CrowdStrike outages
Thomas and Narissa Rahn and their children Jaidon, left, and Jaxon, of El Paso, Texas, wait in line at the Delta terminal after their flight was cancelled, July 19, 2024, at Logan International Airport in Boston.
Michael Dwyer/AP
For anyone traveling this weekend, Ewen suggested people “make sure they’re proactively keeping an eye on their flights to learn about delays or cancellations as soon as possible.”
“Download your airline’s app, which may allow you to track where your inbound plane is coming from. If not, an app like FlightRadar24 allows you to see the registration number of the plane scheduled to operate your flight,” he said. “If you’re waiting to depart from New York in two hours and your plane is still sitting in Texas, you’re not leaving on time — even if the airline’s system is saying your flight is on schedule.”
For anyone experiencing significant delays, especially if it forces travelers to stay overnight at an airport, Ewen said to “inquire with your airline about hotel and food vouchers.”
American Airline’s International flights passengers line up to check in during a global technical outage at Miami International airport in Miami, July 19, 2024.
Cristobal Herrera/EPA/Shutterstock
“If they are unable — or unwilling — to provide them, investigate any trip delay protection you may have on the credit card you used for the flight,” he added. “In some cases, you may be eligible for reimbursement for extra expenses incurred — though you’d still need to submit a claim with the benefits provider. So save your receipts.”
Airline refund rules explained amid CrowdStrike outages
Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, a claims management company, echoed Ewen’s advice for travelers to retain receipts for any incurred expenses during the delays, telling ABC News “it’s crucial for passengers to understand their rights and know their options during disruptions.”
Flight boards show delayed or canceled flights at Minneapolis/St. Paul International airport after software issues delayed flights globally, July 19, 2024, in Minneapolis.
Adam Bettcher/AP
“Although this incident is beyond the control of airlines and airports, passengers still have certain rights under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations,” he said. “The passengers are entitled to assistance from the airline. This can include rebooking on the next available flight and, in some cases, meal vouchers and accommodation if the delay extends overnight.”
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Pawliszyn said that later this year, there will be some updated rules in place.
“The new refund rules apply when the airline has rescheduled the flight for either an earlier or later time with a margin of 3-4 hours, depending on whether it is a domestic or international flight,” he explained. “When this happens, if the passenger rejects the reschedule, the passenger has a right to obtain a cash refund as opposed to a voucher. “
He added that the new rules “will not apply until after the summer.”
Travel chaos can strike at any moment, and when it does, it can be a nightmare for anyone trying to get from point A to point B. This was the case recently when CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company that provides endpoint security solutions, experienced a major outage that affected a number of airlines and airports around the world. With flights delayed, canceled, or rerouted, travelers were left scrambling to figure out their next steps.
So, how can you navigate travel chaos during a CrowdStrike outage? Here are some tips and expectations for flying during such a situation:
1. Stay informed: The first step in dealing with any travel disruption is to stay informed. Keep an eye on the news, check your airline’s website and social media channels for updates, and sign up for flight alerts if available. Knowing what’s going on will help you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
2. Be flexible: During a CrowdStrike outage, airlines may have to make last-minute changes to their flight schedules. Be prepared for delays, cancellations, or reroutings, and be flexible with your travel plans. Consider alternative routes or modes of transportation if necessary.
3. Have a backup plan: In case your flight is affected by the outage, have a backup plan in place. This could include booking a hotel room near the airport, renting a car to drive to your destination, or rescheduling your flight for a later date. Having a backup plan will help minimize stress and uncertainty during a chaotic situation.
4. Stay calm: Travel disruptions can be frustrating and stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and composed. Remember that airline staff are doing their best to assist passengers during the outage, and getting angry or upset will not help the situation. Take deep breaths, stay patient, and remain courteous when dealing with airline staff.
5. Seek compensation: If your flight is significantly delayed or canceled due to the CrowdStrike outage, you may be entitled to compensation under the airline’s policies or regulations such as the EU’s Passenger Rights Regulation. Check with your airline for information on compensation options and how to file a claim.
In conclusion, navigating travel chaos during a CrowdStrike outage can be challenging, but with the right tips and expectations in mind, you can minimize stress and uncertainty. Stay informed, be flexible, have a backup plan, stay calm, and seek compensation if necessary. By following these guidelines, you can navigate travel disruptions with ease and get to your destination safely.
