Computer Glitches, Mechanical Problem Creates Delays In JetBlue's Schedule Across USA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —  Passengers flying JetBlue on Thursday were beset with a series of computer and mechanical problems that caused delays and cancellations.

KCAL9's Amber Lee reported from LAX, where she spoke to frustrated passengers.

Flights were disrupted across the country.

"They told us the flight was canceled," said Leah Hancock, "so, it was over six hours after we were supposed to take off."

She was at LAX at 6:30 a.m. in preparation for a 7:30 flight home to Boston. The flight was delayed before ultimately being canceled.

"I was very upset," Hancock said. "I fly JetBlue all the time. I've never had an issue like this with them."

JetBlue said they experienced the nationwide network issues due to a Verizon data center power outage.

The airline said it was forced to cancel many flights around the country. It was also forced to shut its website and mobile apps.

To add to the confusion, Lee reported, the airline had a mechanical problem on a flight due to leave LAX for Boston.

Passengers were stranded for hours.

"And they told us, 'We will let you know,' " said Sonia Duarte. "It was a few minutes, then seven minutes, then seven minutes became an hour, and then an hour became five hours. And now we're still here."

At LAX, the outage affected three flights and as many as seven others at Long Beach Airport.

By late afternoon, JetBlue announced its service had been back online but was still experiencing some issues.

The airline asked for passengers to be patient.