DATE: November 19, 2009
ATTN: Travel Manager/Arranger/Travelers

Problems with a Federal Aviation Administration system that collects airline flight plans has caused widespread flight cancellations and delays nationwide this morning.  A similar software malfunction in August of 2008 delayed hundreds of flights around the country.

The FAA said the problem has been fixed, but it is unclear how long flights would continue to be affected.  According to Doug Church, a spokesman for the National Air Traffic Controllers Union, airplane dispatchers had been sending plans to controllers, who then enter them into computers by hand – slowing everything down.  Controllers are still entering flight plans manually in some locations around the country.  The problem started around 4:30am Central Time and affected mostly flight plans but also traffic management, such as ground stops and ground delays.

Travel One strongly recommends that passengers check the status of their flight before going to the airport.  Please contact Travel One if flight reservations need to be changed or cancelled due to flight delays.

Travel One will continue to keep our clients informed of news and information that may affect their corporate travel program. Please contact your Travel One reservationist at 952-854-2555 or 1-800-245-1111 for the most current travel information.  

For vacation travel, call Travel One at 952-854-2551 or 800-247-1311 and ask for a Leisure Agent.