Thanks all for your answers.

A spot opened up on EWR-SYR tonight and I was able to grab that for her.

That means she has a tight connection in EWR tonight, so won't be able to deal with her checked luggage issue in EWR, i.e., she won't have time to pick up her luggage and re-check in to SYR...the luggage will still have the ITH tag.

I suppose she can advise the gate agent in EWR, but not sure that'll do any good.

Reason for delay is "Air traffic control conditions." I wonder if United will reimburse her for her one-hour shuttle ride from SYR to ITH, but doubtful based on the reasons given.