Flights are operating again after a technical problem grounds American Airlines earlier today, Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at approximately 7:00 in the morning Eastern Standard Time on Christmas Eve, which is one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Christmas Eve 2024 Flights Operating Again After Technical Problem Grounds American Airlines: Travel Alert
At least 76 flights were reportedly canceled and as few as 37 percent of as many as 4,058 domestic flights and international flights that are operated by American Airlines left on time earlier today as flights were delayed across the major hubs of American Airlines.
Approximately one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States ordered a national ground stop for American Airlines at the request of the airline, flights were once again cleared to be airborne by government regulators. Blame for the ground stop was placed on DXC Technology, which is an operating system vendor of American Airlines.
If you are traveling as a passenger with American Airlines today, expect delays and possible cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to the result of this technical issue which may adversely affect your travel plans. Winter weather in some parts of the United States can potentially exacerbate this situation, as significant rain and snow were forecast for the Pacific Northwest at least into tomorrow, Wednesday, December 25, 2024 on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, showers and thunderstorms were developing in the southern United States. Snow fell in New York; and freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near the District of Columbia and Baltimore.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary.
American Airlines has issued travel alerts for twelve airports in ten states for Tuesday, December 24, 2024; and Thursday, December 26, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
Final Boarding Call
If you are one of the passengers who was affected by this technical issue, I hope that you reach your intended destination as quickly and as safely as possible.
I am thankful that I am not traveling today, as I have had my own issues with American Airlines recently — including:
- Warning: Not Always a Full Refund When Canceling Airline Ticket Purchased Within 24 Hours
- Why You Should Not Trust Main Cabin Fares With Codeshares
Photograph ©2019 by Brian Cohen.
