Apr 8, 2017, 1:28 pm
Last edit by: Renes Points
Great explanation about Crew Tracking & Scheduling and what went wrong: Post #590
[Feel free to edit / add to the timeline of DL events.]
First waver ATL only and only 5-7 and by 11th: https://web.archive.org/web/20170406...perations.html
Second waver "all" hubs and 5-9 and by 16th: https://web.archive.org/web/20170407...perations.html
April 6th COO Gil West apology and blames "unprecedented" ( 5 hour ) storm / weather: http://news.delta.com/chief-operatin...cedented-storm
April 7 & 8 Five things to know list: http://news.delta.com/5-things-custo...tions-saturday
April 7th In midst of service fail Delta devalues SkyMiles with partners: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...000-miles.html
April 8th updates on operations: http://news.delta.com/operational-re...ontinues-today
April 12th will be $DAL earnings live and should yield more info: http://ir.delta.com/news-and-events/...s/default.aspx
April 9, 11:40 PM (EDT): What appears to be the last cancellation of the meltdown was made for DL2682/10Apr BOS-LGA (717 aircraft)
April 11th - Delta begins to pay out compensation for impacted travelers: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-air-lines-skymiles/1835970-early-april-operation-disruption-compensation.html
Other coverage of the event:
Pilots board relating to this epic fail: https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/d...-atl-irop.html
Factors compounding delays/cancellations:
Current delay statistics: Flightaware's live flight delay and cancellation statistics
News coverage:
BuzzFeedNews: Delta Has Canceled Thousands Of Flights And Everyone Is In Hell - No spring break is safe. (Posted on April 7, 2017, at 11:59 a.m.)
The Southampton Press: Cancelled Flight Dashes Disney Dream For Hampton Bays Marching Band (April 7, 2017 11:30 AM)
USA Today: Thousands of Delta flights canceled days after storms (Published 8:53 a.m. ET April 8, 2017)
CNN - Delta meltdown: Pilots are on hold, too (Updated 6:52 PM ET, Sat April 8, 2017)
The Wall Street Journal - Delta Struggles to Recover From Last Week’s Storms (April 9, 2017 12:23 p.m. ET)
AJC.com: Delta woes stretch into Sunday with more cancellations (11:57 a.m. Sunday, April 9, 2017)
AJC.com: Why one day of thunderstorms turned into a five-day Delta meltdown (12:01 p.m Sunday, April 9, 2017)
Detroit Free Press: Headaches continue for Delta fliers in Detroit (Published 2:26 p.m. ET April 9, 2017 Updated 5:54 p.m. ET April 9, 2017)
CNN - Delta tries to 'normalize' as flight cancellations continue (Updated 4:06 PM ET, Sun April 9, 2017)
New York Times: Storms, Though Over, Still Disrupt Delta Flights (APRIL 9, 2017)
NewsChannel5.com - Nashville Man's Body Stranded After Delta Flight Chaos (4:24 PM April 9, 2017)
CBS North Carolina: Raleigh parents upset after son’s body stranded during Delta flight chaos (April 9, 2017, 8:14 pm Updated: April 10, 2017, 5:35 am)
AJC.com: Delta reassures customers as delays continue through weekend (5:53 p.m Sunday, April 9, 2017)
AJC.com: Hundreds of stranded bags left at Hartsfield-Jackson in aftermath of Delta flight cancellations (9:29 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2017)
Bloomberg: Delta Delays Drag On, Testing Passengers' Patience (April 9, 2017, 4:10 PM EDT Updated On April 10, 2017, 10:13 AM EDT)
BuzzFeedNews: Delta Suffered "Failure of Crew Tracking Systems" During Cancelled Flight Fiasco - "I feel like we are lost in the system." (Originally posted on April 11, 2017, at 3:28 p.m. Updated on April 12, 2017, at 10:38 a.m. )
Reuters (posted on BusinessInsider): Delta's profit drops 36.3% (Apr. 12, 2017, 7:20 AM)
AJC.com - Accused child rapist caught at airport when flight is delayed (7:39 p.m Thursday, April 13, 2017)
[Feel free to edit / add to the timeline of DL events.]
First waver ATL only and only 5-7 and by 11th: https://web.archive.org/web/20170406...perations.html
Second waver "all" hubs and 5-9 and by 16th: https://web.archive.org/web/20170407...perations.html
April 6th COO Gil West apology and blames "unprecedented" ( 5 hour ) storm / weather: http://news.delta.com/chief-operatin...cedented-storm
April 7 & 8 Five things to know list: http://news.delta.com/5-things-custo...tions-saturday
April 7th In midst of service fail Delta devalues SkyMiles with partners: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...000-miles.html
April 8th updates on operations: http://news.delta.com/operational-re...ontinues-today
April 12th will be $DAL earnings live and should yield more info: http://ir.delta.com/news-and-events/...s/default.aspx
April 9, 11:40 PM (EDT): What appears to be the last cancellation of the meltdown was made for DL2682/10Apr BOS-LGA (717 aircraft)
April 11th - Delta begins to pay out compensation for impacted travelers: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta-air-lines-skymiles/1835970-early-april-operation-disruption-compensation.html
Other coverage of the event:
Pilots board relating to this epic fail: https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/d...-atl-irop.html
Factors compounding delays/cancellations:
- Weather in ATL April 5
- DL terminating interline with AA
- Delta's systems crashing/overloaded
- DL's crew scheduling system crashed [rumor?]
- Rumored short-term power outage in ATL A concourse caused by airport construction some time around Tuesday-Wednesday
Current delay statistics: Flightaware's live flight delay and cancellation statistics
News coverage:
BuzzFeedNews: Delta Has Canceled Thousands Of Flights And Everyone Is In Hell - No spring break is safe. (Posted on April 7, 2017, at 11:59 a.m.)
The Southampton Press: Cancelled Flight Dashes Disney Dream For Hampton Bays Marching Band (April 7, 2017 11:30 AM)
USA Today: Thousands of Delta flights canceled days after storms (Published 8:53 a.m. ET April 8, 2017)
CNN - Delta meltdown: Pilots are on hold, too (Updated 6:52 PM ET, Sat April 8, 2017)
The Wall Street Journal - Delta Struggles to Recover From Last Week’s Storms (April 9, 2017 12:23 p.m. ET)
AJC.com: Delta woes stretch into Sunday with more cancellations (11:57 a.m. Sunday, April 9, 2017)
AJC.com: Why one day of thunderstorms turned into a five-day Delta meltdown (12:01 p.m Sunday, April 9, 2017)
Detroit Free Press: Headaches continue for Delta fliers in Detroit (Published 2:26 p.m. ET April 9, 2017 Updated 5:54 p.m. ET April 9, 2017)
CNN - Delta tries to 'normalize' as flight cancellations continue (Updated 4:06 PM ET, Sun April 9, 2017)
New York Times: Storms, Though Over, Still Disrupt Delta Flights (APRIL 9, 2017)
NewsChannel5.com - Nashville Man's Body Stranded After Delta Flight Chaos (4:24 PM April 9, 2017)
CBS North Carolina: Raleigh parents upset after son’s body stranded during Delta flight chaos (April 9, 2017, 8:14 pm Updated: April 10, 2017, 5:35 am)
AJC.com: Delta reassures customers as delays continue through weekend (5:53 p.m Sunday, April 9, 2017)
AJC.com: Hundreds of stranded bags left at Hartsfield-Jackson in aftermath of Delta flight cancellations (9:29 a.m. Monday, April 10, 2017)
Bloomberg: Delta Delays Drag On, Testing Passengers' Patience (April 9, 2017, 4:10 PM EDT Updated On April 10, 2017, 10:13 AM EDT)
BuzzFeedNews: Delta Suffered "Failure of Crew Tracking Systems" During Cancelled Flight Fiasco - "I feel like we are lost in the system." (Originally posted on April 11, 2017, at 3:28 p.m. Updated on April 12, 2017, at 10:38 a.m. )
Reuters (posted on BusinessInsider): Delta's profit drops 36.3% (Apr. 12, 2017, 7:20 AM)
AJC.com - Accused child rapist caught at airport when flight is delayed (7:39 p.m Thursday, April 13, 2017)
April 5, 2017: Delta cancels 300 flights due to thunderstorm
Apr 9, 2017, 10:26 am
#541
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Atlanta Metro
Programs: DL , AC, BA, Hhonors Gold, IH Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,360
The crew tracking system never crashed.
The only system that went "down" was SNAPP on Wednesday as updated passenger info was delayed flowing into the program due to all the changes. The crew tracking (or "scheduling system" as some call it) had a similar issue where it was delayed updating crew info due to the sheer volume of flight changes, delays, and cancellations. With a backlog of hundreds of crew changes, it's taking the system much longer than normal to process pairing crews with flights, etc. This is what's contributing to the excessive crew delays that continue on today.
OCC projecting 200 cancellations for today.
The only system that went "down" was SNAPP on Wednesday as updated passenger info was delayed flowing into the program due to all the changes. The crew tracking (or "scheduling system" as some call it) had a similar issue where it was delayed updating crew info due to the sheer volume of flight changes, delays, and cancellations. With a backlog of hundreds of crew changes, it's taking the system much longer than normal to process pairing crews with flights, etc. This is what's contributing to the excessive crew delays that continue on today.
OCC projecting 200 cancellations for today.
My opinion is that DL is covering up their IT failure so that they don't have to pay compensation to tens of thousands of passengers.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:27 am
#542
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
The crew tracking system never crashed.
The only system that went "down" was SNAPP on Wednesday as updated passenger info was delayed flowing into the program due to all the changes. The crew tracking (or "scheduling system" as some call it) had a similar issue where it was delayed updating crew info due to the sheer volume of flight changes, delays, and cancellations. With a backlog of hundreds of crew changes, it's taking the system much longer than normal to process pairing crews with flights, etc. This is what's contributing to the excessive crew delays that continue on today.
OCC projecting 200 cancellations for today.
The only system that went "down" was SNAPP on Wednesday as updated passenger info was delayed flowing into the program due to all the changes. The crew tracking (or "scheduling system" as some call it) had a similar issue where it was delayed updating crew info due to the sheer volume of flight changes, delays, and cancellations. With a backlog of hundreds of crew changes, it's taking the system much longer than normal to process pairing crews with flights, etc. This is what's contributing to the excessive crew delays that continue on today.
OCC projecting 200 cancellations for today.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:29 am
#543
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AA, DL, WN
Posts: 21
The crew tracking system never crashed.
The only system that went "down" was SNAPP on Wednesday as updated passenger info was delayed flowing into the program due to all the changes. The crew tracking (or "scheduling system" as some call it) had a similar issue where it was delayed updating crew info due to the sheer volume of flight changes, delays, and cancellations. With a backlog of hundreds of crew changes, it's taking the system much longer than normal to process pairing crews with flights, etc. This is what's contributing to the excessive crew delays that continue on today.
OCC projecting 200 cancellations for today.
The only system that went "down" was SNAPP on Wednesday as updated passenger info was delayed flowing into the program due to all the changes. The crew tracking (or "scheduling system" as some call it) had a similar issue where it was delayed updating crew info due to the sheer volume of flight changes, delays, and cancellations. With a backlog of hundreds of crew changes, it's taking the system much longer than normal to process pairing crews with flights, etc. This is what's contributing to the excessive crew delays that continue on today.
OCC projecting 200 cancellations for today.
I can't help but feels like Delta should have more FAs, better management to preemptively cancelling flights, and more willingness to book people on any other airline at any price available.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:29 am
#544
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond 1.7MM, Starlux Insighter, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,949
"Crashed" and "queue of pending operations so long and system so slow that it's highly dysfunctional" can be two ways to describe the same, grim, situation.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:32 am
#545
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New York and Vienna
Programs: PA WorldPass Platinum, AA, DL, LH. GHA Black, SPG and HHonors Gold
Posts: 3,870
Another link, this with a mention to FlyerTalk:
Delta Still in Catch-Up Mode Sunday After This Week’s Operational Meltdown
My sources inside Delta also say that there were no IT crashes or system failures but simply that the magnitude of the situation meant that the system was destined to be many hours behind in processing updates.
What irks me is that, as far as I know, no senior company executive has gone on record with a comment since Thursday.
.
This link is to an online source to which I contribute and/or have a financial interest.
Delta Still in Catch-Up Mode Sunday After This Week’s Operational Meltdown
Some Delta employees reported on travel-related discussion forums such as FlyerTalk.com that Delta’s IT systems were unable to keep up, thereby contributing to an operational meltdown of mammoth proportions....
What irks me is that, as far as I know, no senior company executive has gone on record with a comment since Thursday.
.
This link is to an online source to which I contribute and/or have a financial interest.
Last edited by jspira; Apr 9, 2017 at 10:39 am
Apr 9, 2017, 10:33 am
#546
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
I am just trying to understand here, computers today run at unfathomable speed, how can a few hundreds of crew changes cause this magnitude of chaos?
I can't help but feels like Delta should have more FAs, better management to preemptively cancelling flights, and more willingness to book people on any other airline at any price available.
I can't help but feels like Delta should have more FAs, better management to preemptively cancelling flights, and more willingness to book people on any other airline at any price available.
Delta is slowly marching toward 200 CX (and 1000 delays) today. If we include regional carriers, it will probably go higher than that.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:37 am
#547
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Atlanta, GA (KATL)
Programs: Delta SkyMiles KM, Sky Club/Priority Pass, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 458
Another link, this with a mention to FlyerTalk:
Delta Still in Catch-Up Mode Sunday After This Week’s Operational Meltdown
My sources inside Delta also say that there were no IT crashes or system failures but simply that the magnitude of the situation meant that the system was destined to be many hours behind in processing updates.
What irks me is that, as far as I know, no senior company executive has gone on record with a comment since Thursday.
.
This link is to an online source to which I contribute and/or have a financial interest.
Delta Still in Catch-Up Mode Sunday After This Week’s Operational Meltdown
My sources inside Delta also say that there were no IT crashes or system failures but simply that the magnitude of the situation meant that the system was destined to be many hours behind in processing updates.
What irks me is that, as far as I know, no senior company executive has gone on record with a comment since Thursday.
.
This link is to an online source to which I contribute and/or have a financial interest.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:38 am
#548
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
The title of this thread should be changed to The Great Delta Meltdown of 2017.
After spending 8 hours at SFO to get to MSP on Friday, I can't believe that I am concerned about the return on Tuesday, but I am.
After spending 8 hours at SFO to get to MSP on Friday, I can't believe that I am concerned about the return on Tuesday, but I am.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:38 am
#549
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
Why should we believe any inside sources at this point? I trust the pilots, FAs, and frontline staff a lot more right now.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:47 am
#551
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AA, DL, WN
Posts: 21
"Computers today" is the key phrase here. Many of DL's systems are 20-30 years old. Regardless if it was overload, or some sort of general systems failure, this is completely Delta's fault at this point.
Delta is slowly marching toward 200 CX (and 1000 delays) today. If we include regional carriers, it will probably go higher than that.
Delta is slowly marching toward 200 CX (and 1000 delays) today. If we include regional carriers, it will probably go higher than that.
Aye, delta, tell the truth and get it resolved asap please.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:54 am
#552
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,336
The arrogance and hubris will eventually cost them. This is the first big one. I would not be surprised to see FAA / DOT get involved here.
Apr 9, 2017, 10:59 am
#553
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
The crew tracking system never crashed.
The only system that went "down" was SNAPP on Wednesday as updated passenger info was delayed flowing into the program due to all the changes. The crew tracking (or "scheduling system" as some call it) had a similar issue where it was delayed updating crew info due to the sheer volume of flight changes, delays, and cancellations. With a backlog of hundreds of crew changes, it's taking the system much longer than normal to process pairing crews with flights, etc. This is what's contributing to the excessive crew delays that continue on today.
OCC projecting 200 cancellations for today.
The only system that went "down" was SNAPP on Wednesday as updated passenger info was delayed flowing into the program due to all the changes. The crew tracking (or "scheduling system" as some call it) had a similar issue where it was delayed updating crew info due to the sheer volume of flight changes, delays, and cancellations. With a backlog of hundreds of crew changes, it's taking the system much longer than normal to process pairing crews with flights, etc. This is what's contributing to the excessive crew delays that continue on today.
OCC projecting 200 cancellations for today.
Apr 9, 2017, 11:00 am
#554
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,044
Apr 9, 2017, 11:02 am
#555
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
Another link, this with a mention to FlyerTalk:
Delta Still in Catch-Up Mode Sunday After This Week’s Operational Meltdown
My sources inside Delta also say that there were no IT crashes or system failures but simply that the magnitude of the situation meant that the system was destined to be many hours behind in processing updates.
What irks me is that, as far as I know, no senior company executive has gone on record with a comment since Thursday.
.
This link is to an online source to which I contribute and/or have a financial interest.
Delta Still in Catch-Up Mode Sunday After This Week’s Operational Meltdown
My sources inside Delta also say that there were no IT crashes or system failures but simply that the magnitude of the situation meant that the system was destined to be many hours behind in processing updates.
What irks me is that, as far as I know, no senior company executive has gone on record with a comment since Thursday.
.
This link is to an online source to which I contribute and/or have a financial interest.
