March 3, 2005
In the final analysis, it was US Airways' fault. That is the conclusion of a report by the Transportation Department inspector general's office, who has completed a government probe of the bankrupt airlines' Christmas weekend performance.
US Airways struggled through that busy weekend, canceling flights and losing luggage as scores of disgruntled employees, who had recently been forced to give up contract benefits to keep the airline in business, called in sick.
US Airway's problems reverberated through the nation's air travel system on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, compounded by a computer failure that shut down regional carrier Comair.
At the same time, the report concludes the struggling carrier could still face more of the same kinds of staffing problems in the future.
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta ordered the inspector general's investigation immediately after the Christmas weekend meltdown. Mineta said the findings "make clear" airlines "must be vigilant" to be prepared to act quickly and effectively when bad weather or other problems arise.
Mineta was unyielding in his criticism of US Airways, saying that the company not only was unprepared for the problems, but was unable to respond properly while it was going on. He said the airline even lacked information about the number of lost bags, which piled up in airports around the country.
Mineta said other carriers should learn from US Airways' mistakes and review the report and evaluate contingency procedures for major disruptions to their operations.
