It’s Christmas Eve, one of the heaviest travel days of the year. Flight prices are up four percent compared to this time last year and up 14 percent since the 2020 pandemic. The past year with the airlines has seen a new level of ridiculously woke policies, easily fauxfended flight attendants, and crazier than usual passengers; yet, despite this, we still take to the skies and hope for the best.
Sadly, early Tuesday morning, a technology glitch caused American Airlines to fail to meet its established standards.
A “technical issue” briefly disrupted American Airlines flights nationwide early on Tuesday, the airline said, at the start of a busy Christmas Eve for travelers around the country.
The Federal Aviation Administration said American requested a ground stop for all its flights. An hour later, American said flights were again beginning to board and the FAA lifted the nationwide ground stop.
“A vendor technology issue briefly affected flights this morning,” American said in a statement sent to ABC News. “That issue has been resolved and flights have resumed.”
A technical issue briefly affected American Airlines flights this morning. The system is back up, but we expect residual delays. We apologize to our passengers for the inconvenience and wish everyone safe and happy travels. pic.twitter.com/ru7RgtFGHp
— CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) December 24, 2024
The two-hour nationwide ground stop was lifted quickly, but the ripple effects will last all day and possibly into Christmas due to inclement weather. Thunderstorms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, snow in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, and a mix of snow and ice in D.C.
Sounds like the issue has been resolved. However it will still take some time to get things back on time. Flights as far out as 2 p.m. showing delayed on American Airlines. https://t.co/MIiMq3RF6G
— Tom Hillen (@traffictom8) December 24, 2024
American Airlines lifted its temporary nationwide ground stop on Christmas Eve after a significant technical outage, but the lasting effects may cause rippling travel delays amid thunderstorms in the South and snow in the Northeast.
“A vendor technology issue briefly affected flights this morning,” the airline said in a written statement. “That issue has been resolved and flights have resumed.”
The FAA lifted the two-hour ground stop about 8:30 a.m. EST Tuesday.
The FAA has cleared American Airlines flights to resume after a technical issue forced all flights to be ground nationwide, resulting in numerous delays. It couldn’t come at a worse time as 40M people will be screened during the busy holiday season. https://t.co/mA5FUoBS4k
— Robbie Mouton (@mcgmouton57) December 24, 2024
But as with any delay, it is added stress on already stressed flyers who are anxious to get to their destinations. As one X poster encouraged, when it comes to air travel at any time of the year, “patience” is an essential carry-on item.
What a day for @AmericanAir to have technical issues. All flights grounded at the moment. No plan B as most other flights are full. Expect at least 6 hours delays. Pack patience.
— Marili Cancio Johnson (@MariliCancio) December 24, 2024
Thoughts and prayers for a Christmas miracle for American Airlines passengers, as well as American Airlines stock prices, which are sure to plummet.
