Delta says no New Years Day staff shortages

<p>The staff shortages Delta Air Lines saw on Christmas apparently did not recur on New Years Day.</p><p>At midday Thursday, the nations third-largest airline was at full staff and there were no problems with flight attendants calling in sick, spokesman Andy McDill said.</p><p>While there were no cancellations due to staff shortages, but there were a few delays in the West due to high winds in San Francisco, he said. The spokesman did not provide specific numbers.</p><p>Today we are serving our customers, McDill said. Thats what it really comes down to.</p><p>Atlanta-based Delta had to cancel or delay 37 flights on Christmas because of a shortage of available flight attendants. Dozens of flight attendants called in sick that day. While some flight attendants denied that it was a coordinated job action, others say they have been upset by changes in financial and medical benefits that go into effect this year.</p><p>To try to avoid a repeat of Christmas, Delta created a volunteer list of reserve flight attendants to make sure it had enough crew members available for the New Years Day holiday. Delta also lifted the monthly cap on flight attendants work hours and allowed them to take a relative along during their holiday shifts.</p>

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