some wide-scale airline reservations issue

Tue Aug 19 19:40:16 UTC 2003

I'm sitting on the tarmac on AC63 from YVR to ICN which was due to take 
off about half an hour ago. So far they have about a quarter of the 
plane loaded.

The problem I am hearing is that there's a system-wide network issue 
with Air Canada, and other airlines as well: "apparently everybody" is 
the uninformed opinion here in the J class cabin. Fingers are vaguely 
being pointed at "Bell" and "Telus" (depending on which coast people 
are from). Since all computer systems are unavailable, all passengers 
and all bags are having to be checked by hand. They just gave up trying 
to allocate seats, and are about to start "open boarding". Excuse me 
while I hold on to my seat.

The consistent component of the ongoing rumour mill is that this is due 
to "some computer virus".

Anyway, irritating vague rumours aside, here's some operational 
content: if you're waiting for parts, spares or staff to arrive by 
plane from somewhere, and especially if the flight is not direct, be 
prepared for delays.

Joe