What the Passengers Allege
On July 19, 2024, a faulty software update from the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike crashed millions of Windows computers worldwide. Among airlines, Delta was hit hardest, canceling roughly 7,000 flights over several days while competitors recovered much faster. In August 2024, a group of passengers filed a proposed class action against Delta in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
The passengers allege that Delta refused or ignored requests for prompt refunds for canceled and delayed flights, offered only partial refunds or vouchers, and in some cases conditioned refunds on waiving further claims. They allege they were left to pay out of pocket for other flights, hotels, and expenses. These are the plaintiffs allegations. Delta had publicly attributed the disruption to the CrowdStrike and Microsoft systems involved.
The 2025 Ruling
Delta asked the court to dismiss the case. In May 2025, the federal judge granted dismissal of some claims but allowed key parts to proceed, specifically a breach-of-contract claim based on the alleged failure to provide refunds and a claim under the Montreal Convention, the treaty governing international air travel liability. That ruling let the core of the passenger case move forward.
It is important to note what the ruling did and did not decide. Allowing claims to proceed is not a finding that Delta is liable; it means the passengers allegations were sufficient to continue toward the next stages of litigation. The case is a proposed class action, so the scope of any class is still to be determined.
Delta Separate Suit Against CrowdStrike
Running alongside the passenger case is a separate dispute in which Delta itself sued CrowdStrike, seeking to recover losses Delta estimated at around half a billion dollars from the outage. A Georgia state court allowed Delta to pursue significant portions of that suit, including gross-negligence and related claims.
CrowdStrike and Microsoft pushed back publicly, asserting that they offered Delta assistance during the outage that Delta declined and that Delta own technology systems contributed to the prolonged disruption. These are competing positions in a separate case, distinct from the passenger refund class action, and they remained contested.
How to Get Legal Help
If your Delta travel was disrupted by the July 2024 outage and you were denied a refund, you may fall within the proposed class, though class membership is defined by the court as the case proceeds. Passengers generally do not need to do anything to be part of a class at this stage, but you can keep records of your cancellations, expenses, and any refund correspondence.
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Delta Class Action Lawsuit: The CrowdStrike Outage Refund Case: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this case and your legal options.
What is the Delta class action lawsuit about?
It is a proposed class action by passengers over Delta handling of the July 2024 CrowdStrike outage. The passengers allege Delta refused or ignored prompt refund requests, offered only partial refunds or vouchers, and left them to cover expenses. These are their allegations.
What caused the disruption?
A faulty CrowdStrike software update on July 19, 2024 crashed millions of Windows computers worldwide. Delta was the hardest-hit airline, canceling roughly 7,000 flights over several days while competitors recovered faster.
What did the court rule in 2025?
The judge dismissed some claims but allowed key ones to proceed, including a breach-of-contract claim over refused refunds and a Montreal Convention claim for international travel. Allowing claims to proceed is not a finding of liability.
Did Delta also sue CrowdStrike?
Yes. In a separate suit, Delta sought to recover losses it estimated at around half a billion dollars, and a state court allowed significant portions to proceed. CrowdStrike and Microsoft said they offered help Delta declined and pointed to Delta own systems.
Am I part of the class?
If your Delta travel was disrupted by the outage and you were denied a refund, you may fall within the proposed class, though the court defines class membership as the case proceeds. Keeping records of cancellations, expenses, and refund correspondence is sensible.