American Airlines' nationwide software outage delays flights in South Florida
FOT LAUDERDALE – On the of the busiest travel days of the year, service on American Airlines nationwide was disrupted by a sofftware outage that forced a one-hour ground stop and subsequent delays Tuesday.
American Airlines said its systems were restored after a software outage preventing weight and balance calculations grounded all flights nationwide in the morning.
Miami International Airport, one of the airline's main hubs, was affected as well as Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
American said flights had resumed at 8:50 a.m. EST after the ground stop request to the Federal Aviation Administration at 6:50 a.m. for its flights.
As of 12:15 p.m., MIA had 197 flight delays, including 103 with American (23% of its flights) and FLL had 113 flight delays, including 132 with American (29% of flights), according to FlightAware.
Just last week, the airline's vice president said the airline is expecting a record number of passengers during this holiday season.
The airline released a statement Tuesday saying:
The Transportation Safety Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers during the holidays.
CBS News Miami was at the Broward airport.
"I did not think it was going to be so crazy on Christmas Eve," Sonia McCole said. "I thought it was going to be more quiet and it's unbelievable insane out there right now."
She was heading to Oklahoma on American Airlines. Her flight was delayed about one hour.
"My grandson wouldn't stop crying. He wanted me to come and visit him and you can't say no to the grandson," McCole said.
"I'm handicapped and I have a problem with a lot of walking and I was thinking, Lord have mercy. I hope my flight doesn't get canceled."
CBS News' Ann McAllister was trying to visit her family when her plane was grounded in Miami. She spoke to CNN about her experience.
"We're waiting to board the flight and then an announcement came over the loudspeaker saying that there's going to be a delay," McAllister said. "They're having serious technical issues saying that they weren't able to scan tickets not able to board luggage onto the flight."
She ultimately got on her flight and is headed home to family.
Carrah Riner's flight to Charlotte was delayed just 30 minutes but with a connection it could be a long day.
"I am nervous but my sister she's like we're gonna make it. We're good so I guess we'll see," she said.
"Honestly, I think I'm tempted to rent a car just drive home."
She was asked if she was worried.
"Not really. I just try to think about the present. Not the future," Riner said.
"My mom's like already got everything cooked and ready. She's so excited. She's one of those moms who's got the full kit and caboodle so want to get home to her."
Despite the delays, most people were in good spirits and ready to get to loved one when they can.oo
The advice is to get to the airport early -- two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for international. If you're traveling with children or you're traveling with the elderly, give yourself even more extra time.
Travelers should check for updates on the airport and check out the parking situation in Broward County and Miami.
