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What causes airline IT outages and delays?
Airline IT outages are often caused by hardware failures, software bugs, or cyberattacks. In recent incidents, issues with infrastructure and system overloads have also played a role. For example, Alaska Airlines faced a major outage due to hardware problems, leading to cancellations and delays. These failures can disrupt booking, check-in, and flight operations, affecting thousands of passengers.
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How do airlines recover from major system failures?
When a system outage occurs, airlines typically bring in external IT experts to diagnose and fix the problem quickly. They may revert to backup systems or manual processes to keep flights running. After recent outages, Alaska Airlines has committed to improving system resilience by upgrading infrastructure and implementing more robust safeguards to prevent future failures.
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What should travelers do during flight disruptions?
During delays or cancellations, travelers should stay informed through airline notifications and airport staff. It’s helpful to have your travel documents ready and consider alternative options like rebooking or seeking refunds. Keeping calm and patient is key, as airlines work to resolve issues and get passengers to their destinations.
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Are some airlines more reliable than others?
Reliability varies among airlines, often depending on their IT infrastructure and operational practices. Hawaiian Airlines, owned by Alaska Air Group, was unaffected during Alaska’s recent outage, highlighting differences in system resilience. Researching airline reviews and their history of handling disruptions can help you choose more dependable carriers.
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Will airline system outages become more common?
As airlines increasingly rely on complex digital systems, outages may become more frequent if vulnerabilities aren’t addressed. Industry-wide challenges, like hardware failures and cyber threats, continue to pose risks. Airlines are investing in technology upgrades, but outages remain a possibility, so travelers should always be prepared for delays.
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How can airlines improve their system resilience?
Airlines can enhance resilience by investing in better hardware, updating software regularly, and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures. Bringing in external experts, as Alaska Airlines has done, is also crucial. These steps help prevent outages and ensure smoother operations, especially during peak travel times or unexpected incidents.