American Airlines Error Could Cause Chicago Holiday Flight Chaos

NEW YORK, NY — Thousands of flights for the holiday season could be thrown into chaos after a scheduling glitch at American Airlines resulted in too many pilots being granted vacation over Christmas, according to multiple reports. That includes flights out of O'Hare International Airport in Chicago.

“We are working diligently to address the issue and expect to avoid cancellations this holiday season," American Airlines told Patch.

The Allied Pilots Association first broke the news to the press, telling CNBC that the company's scheduling system erroneously granted every request for time off during the holidays. This left the airlines schedule with thousands of flights set with no one to fly them. The holidays are a uniquely busy time for airlines.

CNBC reported that main airport hubs at O'Hare and in New York, Florida and Texas could be affected by delays or cancelled flights.

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"We have reserve pilots to help cover flying in December, and we are paying pilots who pick up certain open trips 150 percent of their hourly rate – as much as we are allowed to pay them per the contract," the airline said.

It continued: "We will work with the APA to take care of our pilots and ensure we get our customers to where they need to go over the holidays.”

It's not yet clear how many of American Airlines passengers will be affected by the glitch.

Patch reached out to the the Allied Pilots Association, which represents thousands of the airline's pilots. This story will be updated with any response.

A spokesman for the union told CNBC it was a "really bizarre situation."

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

By Cody Fenwick, Patch National Staff