Expert: Roberto Gomes - 8/30/2007

Question
I was traveling through JFK en route to Augusta, Georgia, by way of Atlanta on June 8.  There was a huge FAA glitch on this day which considerably slowed down air traffic across the nation.  As a result, our plane (Delta) was late.  When it arrived much of my our crew had been put on other flights that were behind schedule.  The remaining crew members literally stopped Delta flight attendants to see who still had hours that they could work and not go over their limits.  This process took another hour and then we sat on the tarmac for 2 more due to storms.  Upon arriving in Atlanta in the middle of the night I had missed all connections to Augusta and had to spend more money for car rental since I had to be there by the following morning.
Delta is unwilling to help saying that it's an FAA issue.  What should I do in an effort to pursue compensation?

Answer
Dear Rob,

Airlines in their "Bill of Rights" consider circumstances outside any airline control to be called “Uncontrollable Irregularities.” Some examples of Uncontrollable Irregularities include: weather-related delays or cancellations; Air Traffic Control-mandated ground delay or ground stop programs; decisions by airport authorities that impact any airline operations, such as runway closures, construction or maintenance of airport properties.

This was the case in your flight. Although Delta tried to continue to operate the flight getting flight attendants from other flights, they did not establish any "priority order" of departure which still contributed to make your final connection to Augusta. I believe that you can use this to try to pursue any compensation.

Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
R.Gomes