Glitch in New Computer System Causes Long Delays at AirTran

AirTran Airways passengers experienced sporadic delays in boarding flights Tuesday because a new computer system at the airline was not working properly.

AirTran, which has its hub in Atlanta, said it has had problems processing passengers since the new system went online at 4 a.m., resulting in long lines at many airports that it serves.

Spokeswoman Judy Graham-Weaver says the biggest problems were at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where the airline usually handles 250 flights a day.

The airline said some flights were delayed and some passengers missed their flights because they couldn't board in time. It provided no figures on delays or cancellations.

Graham-Weaver says ticket agents processed some boarding passes by hand because of the computer problem.

AirTran is encouraging passengers to print out their boarding passes online, or show up for their flights two to three hours early.

Graham-Weaver says the airline is investigating what caused the computer problem.

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