About 25 American Airlines flights at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport were delayed for as long as an hour and a half today because of a malfunction in the software that controls the baggage-sorting conveyor belt in the airline's bag room, according to American's parent company, AMR Corp.
AMR said it has brought in internal engineers and technicians from the system's developer to conduct diagnostics. The bags are being sorted manually, and many of them are not making it onto their respective flights before departure, according to the statement.
American said it was informing passengers of the situation so they could decide whether to board their flights. Once the problem is resolved, American said it would deliver the bags to the passengers at their destinations. It was undetermined when the system would be up and running again.
"Until then, we regret the inconvenience and we appreciate our customers' patience as we work through this issue," AMR said in a statement. "Though it is not our normal policy, we will be waiving first and second checked-bag fees. Keep in mind that most of these flights are international -- and bag fees do not apply to international flights."