A recent global IT outage left millions of Windows computers worldwide experiencing Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors due to a problematic CrowdStrike update, affecting airlines, hospitals, banks, and businesses. While thousands of United, Delta, and American Airlines flights to and from the U.S. were canceled due to the outage, Southwest Airlines reportedly continued operations without any impact.
The issue didn’t impact the airline the way it did its competitors. That wasn’t because the airline was running Linux or using robust security practices, but because Southwest was still using Windows 3.1, which of course never received the problematic CrowdStrike update.
To give you an idea of how outdated this operating system is, Windows 3.1 was originally released in 1992 and Microsoft ended support for it on December 31, 2001, except for the embedded version, which was officially discontinued in 2008.
Windows 95 is similarly unaffected
Tom’s Hardware reports While other airlines struggled with operational disruptions due to their reliance on more modern computer systems, Southwest’s continued use of Windows 3.1 saved it from similar problems. The airline’s outdated technology, often the subject of ridicule, ironically served as a buffer against the widespread system failures that plagued others.
Although Southwest’s systems were functioning well, other airports were experiencing problems, which indirectly affected the airline’s operations, but to a lesser extent.
Southwest isn’t completely reliant on Windows 3.1 (that would be ridiculous), as the airline also reportedly uses Windows 95 for crew scheduling, another operating system that never received the problematic CrowdStrike update.
While running outdated software saved the day this time — or at least put the airline in a better position than its peers — Southwest will eventually need to update its operating systems, as newer computers are less able to handle them.
One X user suggested that the company switch to Windows XP. This operating system also no longer receives updates, but it is relatively newer and can run Windows 3.1 software in compatibility mode.