Delta Air Lines will effectively spend millions to compensate stranded passengers for the April 5 thunderstorms which caused thousands of cancelations over several days.
After storms wreaked havoc on its Atlanta hub operations the carrier canceled nearly 4,000 flights over a five-day period as it struggled to reposition crew stranded across the country.
While many customers were indulged with free pizza, the airline took a hit to its credibility with hundreds venting their frustraton on social media.
"I have heard from many of you who feel like we let you down. In acknowledgment of what you endured, 20,000 bonus miles will be added to your SkyMiles account in the next 48 hours," CEO ed bastion said in an email to customers, according to Bloomberg.
"I am sorry for what you experienced," he wrote.
Affected customers who are not loyalty members will be sent a $200 flight voucher
Delta also announced changes to its compensation policy over bumping passengers.
Employees are now authorized to offer up to $2,000 for voluntary denied boardings, up from a previous $800.
In certain cases that could rise to nearly $10,000 subject to management approval.
