A departure board at the United Airlines terminal in Chicago's O'Hare International Airport displays computer failure notices Thursday, July 2, 2009, after a computer problem temporarily disrupted United Airlines flights, causing long delays and lines for travelers headed out for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Story Created:
Jul 2, 2009 at 6:17 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jul 2, 2009 at 7:13 PM EDT
SOUTH BEND — A United Airlines computer glitch grounded flights in Chicago, and connecting flights — including those from South Bend — were also affected. More than a dozen passengers were stranded here.
While the toll reaches thousands at Chicago O'Hare airport, only a fraction stood in line at the United Express counter inside South Bend Regional.
"We were getting in line because they said the flight was on its way from Chicago," said Manju Basu. "Then they said, 'No, everything is canceled.'"
Basu was not the only passenger delayed. Roberto Ibarra got familiar with waiting.
"I don't even know what happened," said Ibarra. "Does anyone know what's going on?"
Ibarra was at the airport since 7 a.m. Thursday.
"I'm ready to stop flying anymore," said Ibarra. "This is just way too much."
He was able to make it to the counter, but according to the arrival/departure board, he was unable to board.
"I can't get anywhere," said Ibarra. "I can't get a bus, I can't get to O'Hare everything is booked."
"I got a call from United this morning saying there was a problem in Chicago with the computer system," said Tara McLean.
Flight crews answered questions after the computer glitch, but with Chicago serving as the airline's primary hub, thousands of its connecting flights across the country and right here in South Bend were unable to fly high in the friendly skies.
"We had a conference, so we're going to miss a whole two days of programs which is bad," said Basu.
Others were forced to reschedule their flights and plans.
"I was supposed to be in Albuquerque at noon but that's not going to happen," said Ibarra.
Whether it was 12 or 1,200, the outage sent impatience and frustration soaring.
"We travel a lot," said Basu. "But this is the worst."
"Every time I get on a plane I am delayed," said Ibarra. "Doesn't matter which airline either, but this is one of the worst."
Officials from South Bend Regional Airport say the last scheduled United Express flight at 4:35 p.m. was not affected by any delays.
Airport officials in Chicago report United Airline flights are up and running once again and the search is on to uncover what went wrong with their computer system Thursday morning.
