(JustPatriots.com)- The pilots of Delta Air Lines claim that cancellations and delays are “unacceptable” and that they are putting in a “record amount of overtime” to bring customers to their destinations.
They made their remarks in an open letter to Delta customers that was published on the website of the pilots’ union.
The pilots wrote that they have been working on their days off, flying a record amount of overtime to help customers reach their destination. If things continue as they are, by this fall, our pilots will have flown more overtime in 2022 than in each of the previous two busiest years in our history, 2018 and 2019. Because of the delays, cancellations, and derailed travel plans you’ve encountered, we understand and share your aggravation.
“It is unacceptable, we agree,” the letter states.
Throughout the four-day Memorial Day holiday, the airline reportedly canceled 700 flights, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks real-time worldwide flight traffic.
Over the holiday, American airlines canceled more than 2,500 flights in an effort to rebuild their flight crews following the pandemic travel slowdown.
Delta Chief of Operations John Laughter acknowledged that recovering from the epidemic has been challenging, with “this phase of our recovery having been the most difficult.”
Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines pilots who are dissatisfied with their working conditions are demonstrating on Tuesday outside the Dallas headquarters of the airline. Up to 1,300 pilots are anticipated to picket all day long near Love Field Airport’s entrance to seek a better union contract.
The pilots claim they have been overworked due to staffing shortages and aren’t getting paid for it. They claim they are also sick of apologizing to passengers for flight delays, cancellations, and other issues.
The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association warned that the next travel season would be difficult due to a pilot shortage. Consumers will have fewer alternatives and more canceled flights while the pilots contend with poor scheduling, pressure to work overtime, and insufficient rest time.
According to SMU economist Mike Davis, there is no quick remedy for the airlines; ultimately, consumers are the ones who pay.
