Update: Per United Airlines (@United) the United Airlines Ground Stop has been lifted as of 8:09 PM CST.
Today, January 22, 2017, just after 7:00pm CST United Airlines issued a ground stop for all domestic flights due to a system outage. This is one of several system meltdowns which has caused service disruptions in recent months. United Airlines’ ground stop is the most recent in a series of ground stops issued due to computer system outages.
United Airlines Ground Stop
Per the FlyFAA.Gov website the latest ground stop is for all domestic United Airlines departures to domestic destinations. Departures to international destinations and United Airlines Sub Carriers are exempt. A ground stop prevents any flights from departing during the affected period. In recent months, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have experienced similar outages causing several cancelations and delays.
Trip Disruption Reimbursement
A quick check of the Chicago O’hare departures board shows nearly all of United’s Chicago departures as “delayed” and several departures as “canceled” due to the United Airlines Ground Stop. If a flight is significantly delayed due to a system outage compensation should be offered. Passengers on flights which are stuck on the tarmac for over three hours, should be entitled to some form of compensation. Likewise, passengers on flights delayed more than three hours should also receive compensation. Lastly, passengers rebooked onto a new flights arriving more than three hours after the originally scheduled arrival should expect compensation.
Compensation varies for each event. During the Delta Air Lines system outage several months ago, passengers delayed more than three hours were offered $200 travel vouchers. Often, airlines will offer much less than what is required by the FAA, so it may be wise to research your individual situation to see exactly what you are entitled to.
Final Thoughts
Computer outages such as the ones that affected Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and now United Airlines seem to be happening more often. Although it is unclear exactly what is causing these system outages, they highlight the need for improvement among all domestic carriers. Hopefully the airlines will respond by implementing the necessary updates to minimize outages, but given the complex nature of each system, outages are inevitable. If you are affected by today’s United Airlines ground stop make sure to contact United customer service to receive any compensation you may be entitled to.
