Transport Systems Worldwide Experience Tech Outage, Causing Delays and Cancellations
The global travel industry is facing a major setback as a widespread tech outage has impacted transport systems worldwide. Travelers are facing unknown delays and possible cancellations, causing chaos and frustration. This situation is especially difficult for those who are just starting to travel again after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
According to security firm CrowdStrike, the IT outage is not the result of a cyber attack, but rather an unprecedented circumstance. As a result, airlines are not obligated to compensate passengers for flight delays or cancellations. However, they do have a duty to take care of their customers by providing meals and accommodations if needed. They should also offer rerouting options, although this may not be possible given the global nature of the glitch.
For those who have yet to check in, airlines and airports advise arriving early and avoiding dropping off checked bags to avoid long queues. In the words of Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, “If you do check-in bags, make sure you keep medication, keys, and any other essentials in your hand luggage.”
Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how long the disruption will last or when it will be resolved. It is important to stay informed and follow updates from your airport and airline.
Train services are also being affected by the tech outage, with short-notice changes and cancellations being reported. In the event of a late train, refunds and compensation are due to passengers. Most operators will issue compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more, while others require a delay of 30 minutes. If a journey is cancelled, customers are entitled to a full refund. However, it is important to submit a claim within 28 days, with the journey ticket serving as proof of the delay.
In these uncertain times, it is important to remain patient and informed as the travel industry works to resolve the tech outage and minimize disruptions for passengers.
