Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) this week sent a letter to the most recent offenders – Delta and Southwest – as well as 11 other airlines to get a better handle on whether or not their information technology systems are reliable and resilient.
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While the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security regulate aviation safety and security, they have very little oversight of airline service.
Sens. Ed MarkeyEd MarkeyDems push airlines on IT systems amid technical glitches ‘Americans’ spies set to visit White House White House unveils plan to boost drones MORE (D-Mass.) and Richard BlumenthalRichard BlumenthalDems push airlines on IT systems amid technical glitches FCC should consider wireless auto tech, say sens.
“If they run into this kind of massive meltdown, travelers ought to be reimbursed and refunded, no questions asked, or given the opportunity to rebook on that airline or another airline without any limit on time or additional costs”, Blumenthal said in an interview with CNBC’s “Closing Bell”.
Markey and Blumenthal, both members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, wrote that they are concerned airline IT systems are vulnerable to widespread outages that could leave passengers grounded and that the airlines do not have appropriate backup systems in place. Flights that arrive at least 15 minutes behind schedule are considered late.
Delta canceled more than 2,100 flights last week, more than it had in the first seven months of the year.
Delta offered $200 travel vouchers to passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed for more than three hours August 8-10.
Travellers filed 1,078 complaints with the government about all USA airlines in June, down 31 per cent from 1,567 a year earlier.
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Southwest had the lowest complaint rate, while Spirit had the highest. News stories displayed here appear in our category for Business and are licensed via a specific agreement between LongIsland.com and The Associated Press, the world’s oldest and largest news organization. This includes the preparation of derivative works of, or the incorporation of such content into other works. Please see our terms of service for more information.
