A recent global IT outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update led to millions of Windows computers experiencing Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors, affecting airlines, hospitals, banks, and businesses. Thousands of flights by United, Delta, and American Airlines were canceled due to the failure, but Southwest Airlines reportedly continued operations without significant issues.
Southwest’s systems were not impacted in the same way as its competitors, not because of a different operating system or advanced protection method, but because Southwest was still using Windows 3.1, which did not receive the problematic CrowdStrike update.
Windows 3.1 was originally launched in 1992, and Microsoft ended support for it on December 31, 2001, except for the embedded version, which was retired in 2008.
Tom’s Hardware reports that while other airlines struggled with operational disruptions due to their reliance on more modern computing systems, Southwest’s use of Windows 3.1 spared it from similar issues. The airline’s outdated technology, often ridiculed, ironically served as a buffer against the widespread system failures affecting others. Although Southwest’s systems ran smoothly, issues at other airports still indirectly impacted the airline’s operations, though not as severely.
Southwest isn’t entirely reliant on Windows 3.1; the airline also uses Windows 95 for staff scheduling, another OS that never received the problematic CrowdStrike update.
Despite running outdated software saving the day this time, Southwest will eventually need to update its operating systems, as newer computers will struggle to run them. One X user suggested the company switch to Windows XP because, while it no longer receives updates, it’s newer and can run Windows 3.1 software in compatibility mode.
