Delta Airlines cancels more flights, federal investigation begins

WASHINGTON — The effects of Friday’s global IT outage are still being felt. A faulty update to Microsoft software brought down everything from banks and hospitals to delivery systems and airlines. Although the outage affected many companies, most have gotten back on their feet, while Delta Airlines is still trying to recover.

Things are quieter now, but we still hear from frustrated families who are just getting home and looking for their luggage.

RELATED: Delta Air Lines continues to report cancellations as company tries to restore operations after technical outage

In a statement on Monday, the Department of Transportation said it was investigating Delta Airlines in light of ongoing, widespread air traffic disruptions and reports of worrying customer service failures.

On Tuesday, people at Regan National Airport are still frantically searching for their luggage. More than 400 bags are still in the Delta Baggage Service offices. Many people we spoke to said they were overwhelmed when they walked over and saw all the bags. It took them between 10 and 45 minutes to find their bags.

“It was a nightmare,” said Joseph Smith, who experienced several flight delays.

Delta Airlines is among the companies still trying to recover from an IT outage linked to cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.

“CrowdStrike will definitely get a letter from me,” Smith said. “Just the trip home probably cost me $3,000.”

Joseph Smith was relieved to finally be home, but also frustrated by all the hurdles he had to overcome to get here.

“We had confirmed flights and when we got to the airport, they arbitrarily changed our flight so we couldn’t get back to DC until around 5 p.m. today,” Smith explained.

“I was supposed to come back on Sunday, but my flight was delayed, delayed, delayed and canceled,” said Clintonio Chapman. His luggage came to DC while he waited two more days in Atlanta.

“A little bit of panic, but I tell you what, the Delta staff here was outstanding. They were very helpful,” Chapman said.

Chapman is one of dozens of people tracking their luggage back to D.C. One woman used her AirTag to track her luggage, while another couple set off after a phone call.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said his agency had launched an investigation into Delta “to ensure that the airline complies with the law and takes care of its passengers during the ongoing widespread disruptions.”

Although most people do not blame the airline for the chaos, it is an unforgettable moment for many.

“The IT error is not their fault, um, but it was a very borderline experience,” said passenger Greg Wormley.

Secretary Buttigieg is asking individuals who have experienced issues and believe Delta has failed to comply with passenger protection requirements to file a complaint about the air travel service here.

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