CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation announced an investigation is underway into Delta Air Lines practices. This comes days after a major tech glitch shut down flights across the country. 

What You Need To Know

  •  The DOT has opened an investigation into Delta Air Lines

  •  This comes after a tech outage led to flight disruptions across the nation

  •  A travel expert shares ways people can advocate for themselves in the event a cancellation does happen 

On Friday, a widespread tech outage occurred that was linked to a faulty software update from CrowdStrike. 

The outage was disruptive for airlines, including Delta. The airline has canceled over 5,500 flights since Friday. 

The DOT says the investigation is about ensuring Delta is complying with passenger protection laws.

Some businesses are continuing to ease people's concerns amid the flight chaos. 

Shanell Varner is the founder of Moonglade Travel, a luxury boutique travel consultant company. 

Varner said the recent flight events are reminiscent of what's referred to as the "2022 Holiday Meltdown," after thousands of Southwest Airlines flights were canceled.  

The DOT later penalized Southwest Airlines for violating numerous consumer protection laws. 

"[This weekend] was like a flashback to what happened to Southwest Airlines," Varner said. "We were on edge wondering if our clients were going to be impacted. We had clients travel this weekend to Greece. We were really on standby for the impact it [could've had]. I'm excited the DOT has taken the initiative to be proactive as much as possible in this situation. I think its really going to be helpful in keeping Delta and other airlines accountable for their polices in place to protect clients."

Varner says her business is dedicated to informing people about the importance of consumer protections and their rights, especially if a cancellation does occur. 

"Our job goes beyond planning an amazing trip," Varner said. "We're advocating for clients and making sure they're aware of their rights to advocate for themselves as well. We connect them to the right point of contact immediately, helping them to get rebooked on alternative flights and help them file claims with travel insurance companies to get reimbursed for expenses that are accrued in these type of situations."

Varner says cancellations do happen, but she said there are things you can do to safeguard yourself. 

"Keep track of communications you have, document names, times and dates you talk to different representatives," Varner said. "Track your receipts and all your communications and expenses in connection with any delays or cancellations you're experiencing." 

"I always tell clients to monitor and track their flights before they leave out for the airport because we've been seeing delays and cancellations prior [to arriving]. That just saves you some time and waiting at the airport. Continue to hold the airlines accountable. [But] also practice patience. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of people impacted by this [latest] scenario," Varner said. 

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