On December 2, 2024, Alaska Airlines faced a major IT outage that brought its operations to a grinding halt, leaving thousands of travelers stranded or delayed. This disruption hit particularly hard at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) during one of the busiest travel periods of the year and coincided with the airline’s much-anticipated Cyber Monday sale.
What Happened?
The technical glitch caused Alaska Airlines’ website and mobile app to become unresponsive early in the morning, preventing customers from booking flights or accessing their travel details. A 40-minute ground stop was implemented at SEA to avoid congestion, leading to significant delays and cancellations.
The issue came at a critical time for travelers returning from Thanksgiving holidays and taking advantage of Cyber Monday sales, which only amplified the frustrations.
How Travelers Were Affected
- Long Lines & Confusion: At airports, passengers found themselves unable to check in, retrieve boarding passes, or make changes to their bookings.
- Cyber Monday Bust: Many eager customers couldn’t access promotional fares, compounding dissatisfaction.
- Flight Delays & Cancellations: Grounded flights and delayed operations disrupted travel plans for thousands.
What Did Alaska Airlines Do?
By the afternoon, the airline reported that its IT systems were back online, but delays persisted as operations recovered. Alaska Airlines issued apologies on social media, urging passengers to check their flight status and offering rebooking options. However, the airline did not disclose the specific cause of the outage.
This isn’t the first time Alaska Airlines has faced operational challenges this year. In September 2024, a similar technical issue disrupted flights at SEA, and earlier in January, the airline grounded its 737 MAX 9 fleet after a mid-air incident.
What Travelers Need to Know
1. What caused the outage?
Alaska Airlines has yet to reveal the root cause of this IT failure, but investigations are likely ongoing.
2. How can I stay updated during similar disruptions?
When the airline’s website or app is down, check airport flight information displays or call Alaska Airlines’ customer service line. Following their social media accounts can also provide real-time updates.
3. Will I get compensated?
Alaska Airlines typically offers free rebooking for affected passengers. Additional compensation, such as meal or hotel vouchers, may be available in extreme cases. Contact the airline’s customer service team for more details.
4. What steps is Alaska Airlines taking to prevent this from happening again?
While no specific steps have been outlined, Alaska Airlines is expected to review its IT infrastructure and implement improvements to reduce the risk of future disruptions.
Lessons for Future Travel
This incident is a stark reminder to plan for potential travel disruptions. Always check flight statuses ahead of time, consider arriving at the airport early, and have alternative travel arrangements in mind.
Despite the inconvenience, Alaska Airlines is working to regain customer trust and ensure smoother operations moving forward. Travelers impacted by the outage are encouraged to reach out to the airline for assistance.
Sources Komo News
