News

Delta Passengers Are Angry, But Will Be Back. They Have Little Choice

Published

3 months ago

2024-07-29

Delta Air Lines’ service outage last week stranded an estimated half million passengers, leaving many sleeping on airport floors, dissatisfied and upset at their inability to complete their travels, unable to locate their bags or receive answers from the airline.

However, regardless of how angry they are, the majority of them will return to the airline in the future. To paraphrase an old song, most travelers find it difficult to end their relationship with an airline.

The fact of the American air travel system is that tremendous forces retain passengers traveling with the same airlines, even after service disruptions like Delta’s. American, United, Southwest, and Delta are the four largest airlines in the United States, accounting for more than 70% of total air traffic. Passengers who live near one of Delta’s major hubs, such as Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, or Salt Lake City, have even fewer flying options.

Delta Passengers Are Angry, But Will Be Back. They Have Little Choice

Many consumers also have frequent flyer accounts and branded credit cards that link them to specific airlines.

A disgruntled million-mile consumer.
That’s the case for Don Hooper, who has a million miles in his Delta frequent flyer account after years of traveling the airline once or twice a week while working as a banker near Atlanta.

Now semi-retired, he and his wife Dorothy fly Delta eight to ten times yearly. They were on vacation this month, visiting Glacier National Park and attending a wedding in Bozeman, Montana, and were on their way home when they became delayed in Salt Lake City. They eventually had to buy their own Spirit tickets to return home by early Wednesday morning.

“I would not say I am angry. “I’m disappointed,” Don Hooper told CNN during an interview. “We were never communicated with, or contacted. We were left on our own. They left people to fend for themselves without any help.”

The collapse occurred as Delta attempted to recover from computer problems that stopped its systems from tracking the location of its pilots and flight attendants, making it impossible to staff all of its flights. CrowdStrike, a cyber security group, triggered the disruptions, which resulted in severe computer issues around the world on July 19, including over 5,000 canceled flights by a variety of airlines on Friday.

However, the troubles were primarily isolated to Delta by Monday, as other firms resumed normal operations, adding to the passengers’ anger. Delta canceled more than 4,400 flights between July 19 and 21, according to flight tracking firm FlightAware. There were an extra 1,800 flights canceled on Monday and Tuesday.

“Other airlines, banks, and corporations appeared to have worked it out. Delta didn’t,” Dorothy Hooper explained.

The Hoopers claim their experience was not as horrible as other travellers’. The Hoopers had enough money to reserve a hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, so they had a place to sleep even though they still wanted to leave town that night. Others had a different experience.

“People are sleeping in line at the ticketing kiosks. People were running short of nappies and formula. “Some vendors were running out of food,” Dorothy Hooper explained.

“We came out of this fine,” remarked Don Hooper.

By Friday, their bags had been returned, and Delta had paid them for their out-of-pocket expenses while giving them an extra $100 each. Even before that, the Hoopers expressed excitement for their next Delta vacation to Greece and Italy in August, despite their unhappiness with Delta’s behavior during the meltdown. Past experience and Delta’s supremacy in Atlanta and Don Hooper’s frequent flyer miles would keep them loyal to the airline.

Who will and won’t return?
Other passengers were not as eager to fly Delta again.

According to CNN, Jeremy and Kaylee Jones married on July 20 and left Spokane, Washington, on Monday for their honeymoon. Five guests were unable to attend the wedding owing to flying complications.

They arrived in Atlanta early Tuesday morning to catch a connecting aircraft to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. But they couldn’t obtain one.

They eventually had to travel to Orlando to catch another flight to St. Lucia so that they would keep the money they had spent on the accommodation. Despite pledging to compensate affected customers, Delta’s policy would not have reimbursed them for their St. Lucia hotel stay if they had canceled the trip.

“Maybe in the future, but once they’ve figured it out, I would say, not in the near future,” Kaylee Jones replied when asked if they would fly Delta again.

“As of right now, I would roll with that sentiment,” stated Jeremy Jones. “No Delta for me, for sure.”

However, several airlines have seen travel demand recover following comparable or worse meltdowns. Southwest experienced a 10-day glitch with its crew scheduling software, resulting in about 17,000 cancellations during the year-end holiday travel period in 2022. It experienced two months of low bookings. However, many of those affected travelers returned to the airline. It just recorded record revenue and traffic for the most recent quarter.

Lack of options
The hub structure protects so-called “network carriers” like Delta from competition on flights into and out of their hubs. Cirium figures show that it accounts for 83% of available seats flown in and out of Atlanta when adjusted for miles traveled.

“They have a stranglehold on Atlanta,” explained Zach Griff, senior aviation reporter for The Points Guy, a travel website. “Even if you choose to fly a rival, you can only reach so many destinations nonstop. It’s always worth remembering because people’s memories are short. The book based on schedule and price. This does not imply that some customers will not resent Delta for this. However, this could be a temporary hiccup.

On certain important routes, there are several options, though only sometimes with the same regularity as other airlines.

“At the end of the day, people are going to act in their own personal interest,” said Scott Keyes, founder of travel alert service Going.com. “Most passengers aren’t going to inconvenience themselves, to take a longer or a non-direct flight, simply to punish Delta.”

Many business travelers will fly with an airline that has a contract with their employer, leaving them no choice except to choose their own carrier. That was the situation with Dylan Steele, a government employee who was stuck in Atlanta for many days, unable to complete a trip to Washington for work. Except in emergencies, he must fly Delta for work. By Tuesday, he had abandoned his plans for this trip after three days of futile attempts to travel from Atlanta to Washington, DC.

Steele, on the other hand, was sympathetic to Delta’s troubles and felt sad for the staff who were at the airport assisting passengers in locating their luggage.

“It has undoubtedly been an experience. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. “On a normal day, Delta is quite good. They are making every effort to assist us. “It is not their fault.”

Delta Passengers Are Angry, But Will Be Back. They Have Little Choice

Another factor that is likely to entice passengers to return to Delta is its reputation for providing exceptional service. Stats back up this claim: Delta said in its second quarter statistics that in the first half of this year, it topped the industry in the lowest percentage of cancelled flights and on-time performance, with 39 cancellation-free days. It also has a fairly low complaint rate.

Don Hooper said he’s always received excellent treatment from Delta staff in the million miles he’s travelled on the airline before to this, and that’s another reason he’s not about to switch, in addition to the fact that he lives close to the Atlanta hub and has all of the miles in his account.

“As a million-mile flier, you’ve had some negative experiences over the years. Don Hooper stated that Delta has previously responded well to this issue. “We have been flying Delta for 34 years. “And I still will.”

SOURCE | CNN

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News

Trudeau Accused of Sowing Divisions Between Sikhs and Hindus

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-06

Geoff Thomas

Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, has accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of sowing “divisions” that culminated in the violent altercation between Sikh separatists and Hindu devotees outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.

Justin Trudeau initiated the question period by condemning Poilievre’s reticence regarding the violence in South Asian communities as “deafening.”

Poilievre refuted the assertion by accusing Trudeau of exploiting the matter to divert attention from domestic economic concerns.

“Consequently, he implements divisions in his residence.” Poilievre stated, “These divisions are the consequence of his actions.”

“Currently, sectarian riots are occurring on the streets of Brampton.” This has never occurred before the tenure of this prime minister. Is he accountable for the divisions he has incited and the ensuing violence?

Trudeau Must Assume Responsibility

Mr. Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Leader, requested that the Prime Minister assume responsibility for the divisions and violence in Canada. In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed Poilievre’s refusal to obtain security clearance to review foreign interference documents.

Trudeau, who has frequently employed a phrase in the question period recently, urged Poilievre to undergo the security clearance procedure to receive a briefing from Canada’s intelligence and security agencies regarding potential threats to the country.

Trudeau’s remarks exacerbate an already precarious police situation, which has the potential to further deteriorate the diplomatic relationship between Canada and India.

Police dispersed a second day of demonstrations outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario, on Monday. The temple has been the site of violent clashes that have resulted in arrests and a public safety alert.

During the Indian consular officials’ visit to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton on Sunday at midday, violence erupted.

Peel Regional Police issued a public safety alert on Monday evening regarding the presence of weapons at a demonstration near a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ont. The demonstration had been the site of violent clashes between demonstrators the previous day.

Canada India Tensions

Social media videos depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Pro-Khalistan separatism, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in physical altercations with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.

Later, an off-duty Sergeant of the Peel police in Brampton, Ontario, was identified as one of the pro-Khalistan protesters.

In the interim, the violence prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

“I unequivocally condemn the intentional destruction of a Hindu temple in Canada.” “The cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats are equally appalling,” he shared on social media.

No amount of violence will ever undermine India’s resolve. We anticipate that the Canadian government will maintain the rule of law and ensure justice.

Last September, Trudeau expressed that there were credible allegations that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which marked the beginning of the deterioration of relations between the two countries. India has vigorously denied the charge.

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Geoff Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

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News

Police Officer Suspended for Joining Pro-Khalistan Protest

Published

2 days ago

2024-11-06

Geoff Thomas

A Brampton, Ontario, police officer was suspended on Monday following the viralization of a video on social media that showed him participating in a pro-Khalistan protest outside a Hindu temple.

According to CBC News, the suspended Peel Regional Police officer, Harinder Sohi, was videotaped brandishing a Khalistan flag while other participants in the protest chanted anti-India slogans. He was not wearing a police uniform.

Sohi served as a Sergeant for the Peel Regional Police.

In an email to CBC News, Media Relations Officer Richard Chin informed the organization that it is “aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an off-duty Peel Police officer participating in a demonstration.”

“This officer has since been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act,” according to him.

“We are investigating the circumstances in totality depicted in the video and are unable to provide further information until this investigation is complete.”

Peel Regional Police have previously stated that three individuals have been charged in connection with the violence that occurred during the visit of Indian consular officials to the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple on Sunday.

Social media videos appear to depict demonstrators holding banners in support of Khalistan, a proposed independent Sikh homeland in northern India, and engaging in a physical altercation with other individuals, some of whom are holding India’s national flag.

The videos appear to depict fist battles and individuals striking each other with poles on the grounds outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple.

According to Peel police, the event was ultimately relocated to two additional locations in the neighboring city of Mississauga, where additional demonstrations were also conducted.

Peel police acknowledged the protest on Sunday at noon and announced that they had increased their presence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple to preserve public safety and order.

“We acknowledge the right to peacefully and safely protest; however, we will not tolerate criminal activities or violence,” stated Chief Nishan Duraiappah in response to the videos’ dissemination.

“Those that do participate in this activity will be pursued, arrested, and charged.”

The violence elicited condemnations from Canadian political leaders at all levels of government and also prompted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a rare comment during a period of escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern regarding the “deliberate attack” and requested accountability from the Canadian government, which Justin Trudeau heads. He anticipated that the government would uphold the rule of law and ensure justice.

PM Modi expressed his strong condemnation of the deliberately targeted assault on a Hindu temple in Canada in a post on X. The contemptible endeavors to intimidate our diplomats are equally repulsive. No amount of violence will ever be able to undermine India’s resolve.

In the interim, the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its “profound concern” regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals in Canada, and it anticipates that those who engage in violence will be prosecuted.

The Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton, Ontario, was the site of violent acts committed by separatists and extremists yesterday. We condemn these actions. “We urge the Canadian government to guarantee that all places of worship are safeguarded from such attacks,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the MEA.

India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attack

India Slams Trudeau Over Pro-Khalistani Sikhs Attacking Canadian Hindus

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News

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs Attack Hindu Temple in Brampton

Published

4 days ago

2024-11-04

Geoff Thomas

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs, Hindu Temple, Brampton, Ontario

Pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attack Hindu Temple in Bramption Ontario.

Police in Brampton, Ontario, were summoned to the Hindu Temple after a group of pro-Khalistanis Sikhs attacked Hindu worshipers on Sunday. According to the Hindu Canadian Foundation, supporters of the Khalistaani movement in Canada helped to carry out the “attack.”

Following its posting on X, a video of the attack with demonstrators brandishing Khalistan flags at the Hindu Temple’s front entrance quickly became viral, inciting indignation among the Hindu community in Canada and India.

Chandra Arya, a Liberal MP from Canada, denounced the violence and claimed that under the country’s “freedom of expression,” extremists are getting away with it.

According to Arya, he began to think there might be some truth to the claims that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated Canada’s law enforcement forces and political machinery.

Today, Canadian Khalistani fanatics have crossed a line. The attack by Khalistanis on Hindu-Canadian worshipers within the Hindu Sabha temple’s grounds demonstrates the extent and blatantness of Khalistani violent extremism in Canada.

In a post on X, he stated, “I start to believe that there is a sliver of truth in the reports that Khalistanis have successfully infiltrated not only our political apparatus but also our law enforcement agencies.”

It is understandable why Khalistani fanatics are receiving a free pass in Canada under the guise of “freedom of expression.” As I’ve been saying for a while, Hindu Canadians must stand up, defend their rights, and hold politicians responsible for the safety and security of our community,” he continued.

Peel Regional Police said they were aware of the demonstration in the city’s northeast and are investigating the situation.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states, “We respect the individual right to protest, but it is still our duty and responsibility to maintain public order and ensure everyone’s safety. ” Therefore, we request the public’s help participating in and supporting a nonviolent and legal protest.

Peel police warned that any acts of violence, threats of violence, or vandalism would be looked into and said they would be more visible and present to keep an eye on the situation.

Taking his X account, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also conveyed his dissatisfaction after learning of the “acts of violence” outside the Hindu Sabha.

“In Canada, religious freedom is a fundamental virtue. In their house of worship, everyone ought to feel secure. Brown stated in his letter that he is “completely confident that Peel police will do everything in their authority to keep the peace and hold those accountable who commit acts of violence.” “I strongly condemn any acts of violence outside of a place of worship,” Brown added.

“The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted on X.

Every Canadian has the right to freely and securely follow their religion. “Swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident” was how he praised the cops.

As Ottawa frequently rejected New Delhi’s demands for tough measures against Khalistani radicals in Canada, the incident took place during a time of poor relations between India and Canada. Instead, it sparked a huge diplomatic dispute by accusing India of targeting Khalistani people inside its borders.