Outage that caused major travel websites including Delta, Airbnb, Expedia and more to crash now resolved
Benji Stawski is a former reporter for the site, covering all things points, miles, credit cards, travel and aviation.
July 22, 2021
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2 min read
Outage that caused major travel websites including Delta, Airbnb, Expedia and more to crash now resolved
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Editor's Note
This piece has been updated with additional information relating to the resolution of the outage.
Update as of 12:50 pm: Akamai Technologies has said via Twitter that the outage has now been resolved. No word just yet on what may have caused these sites to crash or any long-term effects.
If you're currently trying to access a travel company's website and it's not working, you're not alone.
The servers that run a number of major websites appear to have crashed Thursday morning. Affected websites include Delta, Southwest, Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia (including sister sites like Orbitz and Hotels.com), Concur Solutions, Fidelity Investments and more. Some websites, such as Chase and American Express, are up but running extra slow.
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Users visiting affected sites will either be directed to an error page or a blank screen.
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The cause appeared to be linked to an outage on Akamai, a major domain name system (DNS) provider.
According to Downdetector.com, it appears that this issue began around 11:30 a.m. Although some companies are advising website visitors to try their mobile apps, based on our tests, the apps of companies like Delta are down as well.
While you can't book new travel or make changes right now, it seems that there are no major travel disruptions right now. Delta and Southwest's airport computers are still working fine and it appears that no flights have been delayed yet because of the website outage.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Check back for more.
Featured image by Getting a bit of work done aboard an Air France 777 from Tahiti to Los Angeles (Photo by Darren Murph/The Points Guy)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
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Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees