April 6th: WTF Is Going on at with Delta at KATL?

The word I've heard is that the crew scheduling software went AWOL during the storms. They basically don't know where or if their crews are legal to fly. Maybe @jordane93 has heard something.
 
Sluggo63 said:
It's amazing, right? I would have thought that on a pilot board at least most here (as aviators) would maybe have an inkling of the complexity and variables that would go into airline operations when it comes to weather and maintenance. It surprises me that there are so many that speak like the general public when it comes to irregular operations ("These airlines are lying to us! They said the flight was delayed due to weather, and there's blue skies outside! LIARS!)
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This is what I assume about the way airlines handle their schedules: I assume they have a complex model that seeks to maximize utilization of their aircraft and minimize unused time for both aircraft and staff. I also assume that they are constantly monitoring traffic levels and demand, and frequently adjust flight schedules due to demand and seasonality. I also assume that this can make for some very uninituitive scheduling. That's what assume, because it is logical and rational. I know nothing, because the airlines don't seem to want to tell anyone. I know more about how UPS routes its package cars than I do about how airlines manage traffic, because UPS has been publicizing their routing algorithms and airlines seem to want to keep why they do what they do as secret as possible.

jordane93 said:
Delta has been planning for months how they can strand your family in ATL
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HA! I have foiled their nefarious plot! That's what I wanted them to think! Actually they were stranded in Harrisburg, PA, we live in Atlanta.

Everskyward said:
It would help if they were a little more honest. These days, anyone can check current weather. So if the delays are caused by airplanes and crews being out of position because of yesterday's weather, it might be a better idea to state that fact.
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Delta's still canceling flights. They canceled 15 percent of their flights yesterday and have canceled 9 percent of their flights so far today. Something's going on other than the weather. Delta's not going to admit it, because they then need to pay for hotels for those people who are currently sleeping on the floor at Hartsfield.
 
FormerHangie said:
Delta's still canceling flights. They canceled 15 percent of their flights yesterday and have canceled 9 percent of their flights so far today. Something's going on other than the weather. Delta's not going to admit it, because they then need to pay for hotels for those people who are currently sleeping on the floor at Hartsfield.
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Usually, I'm not that cynical, but after this long, they should have their act together. I'm sure it was originally weather, but turned into a cluster trying to put it back together. Not good for #Delta. They're getting CRUSHED on Twitter...
 
Sluggo63 said:
Usually, I'm not that cynical, but after this long, they should have their act together. I'm sure it was originally weather, but turned into a cluster trying to put it back together. Not good for #Delta. They're getting CRUSHED on Twitter...
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It honestly sounds like on top of the weather, there might have been/still is, some sort of IT issue on the backend.
 
FormerHangie said:
Yes, but that was on Wednesday. I was referring to the number of cancellations on Thursday. Actually, here it is on Friday, Delta has already canceled 11 percent of their flights today, and if you look at the national weather map, it's one of the calmest days you'll see. Here in Atlanta the skies are blue with winds at 10 - 15.

Southwest has canceled 1%, JetBlue 2%, American 1%, Spirit 3%... Delta 11%. I'm not sure what they're doing differently but they might want to rethink it. My wife and daughter are finally at Hartsfield, 2 and a half hours late. They were waiting for crew. I'm usually a Delta supporter, but they've made a miserable response to the weather situation.
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"What they are doing differently" is having a majority of their entire operation running out of Atlanta. When ATL goes down, it disrupts pretty much the entire system. And it can take days to recover. Then you add full Flights and numerous extra segments for spring break to the mix.

Crews are already likely scheduled to limits due to this, and then the whole deal gets tossed in the trash due to weather. Welcome to flying.
 
I had a passenger the other day out of DTW that was trying to get to MOB, that ended up being routed the entire way on the jet I was flying, DTW-EVV-ATL-MOB. Felt bad for her, but at least she knew that since it was the same plane and crew, we weren't going to cancel on her.
 
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