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Experts Predict More Airline Outages due to Carriers' Aging Technology

Aug. 17, 2016
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3 min read
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Experts Predict More Airline Outages due to Carriers' Aging Technology
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Recently, there have been lots of airline computer/technical "glitches" leading to massive delays and hundreds — or even thousands — of canceled flights:

With all of these outages of key systems, some may wonder if something sinister is occurring. Not so, says experts in the field. The main reason for the increased outages is the ancient reservations systems that airlines still use.

There's no indication of any wrongdoing in these airline outages, just outdated computer systems. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Former Chief Information Officers from American Airlines and United were interviewed by Reuters in the wake of the Delta outage last week. These experts pointed out that the core of the reservations systems for all airlines is built on 1960s technology. While there have been system updates over the years — and functional add-ons such as mobile check-in and first-class upgrades — the base reservation system predates the personal computer.

These systems would require a complete overhaul to avoid future issues. However, for many years airlines struggled to avoid — or recover from — bankruptcy. With money tight, any changes or upgrades to these information systems were a very low priority, unless these changes would provide an immediate cost savings. This sustained short-term focus means that airlines haven't worked to install additional back-up systems or ensure that the back-up systems they have are robust enough.

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Make sure to insure yourself against delays by using the right credit card when booking your flights. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Unfortunately, this means that airline system glitches are likely to continue until these airlines overhaul their systems. While Delta was generous this week with fee waivers and vouchers, there's no guarantee that other airlines will be as gracious. Make sure to book your flights with the right credit card to cover yourself for delays and cancellations. Some top choices include the Citi Prestige Card (offering $500 per person in compensation for 3+ hour delays) and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (with $500 per person in compensation for 12+ hour or overnight delays).

H/T: Reuters

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.