- Mar 13, 2024
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, alleging the airline "illegally operated multiple chronically delayed flights," affecting both passengers and industry competition. Together with the Department of Justice, the DOT filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeking maximum civil penalties.
According to federal regulations, airlines must avoid advertising unrealistic flight schedules. Southwest is accused of promoting flight times that didn't match actual performance, which DOT argues is deceptive and anticompetitive.
If a flight has been chronically delayed for over four months and occurs at least 10 times a month, arriving more than 30 minutes late 50% of the time, it meets the definition of "unrealistic scheduling." Between April and August 2022, Southwest had two flights consistently delayed, impacting 180 flights: one route between Chicago and Oakland and another between Baltimore and Cleveland.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics claims Southwest caused over 90% of disruptions for these chronically delayed flights. While DOT regulations allow airlines to adjust schedules, Southwest reportedly failed to do so.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized airlines' obligations for realistic scheduling, adding that the lawsuit is a warning to all airlines regarding passenger rights.
Southwest expressed disappointment with the lawsuit, arguing the delayed flights don’t represent their operations. We'll continue to update on this case. Stay tuned for more information.
Find out how to be compensated for flight delays or cancellations. Consider subscribing to our newsletter for more updates!
[The post originally appeared on Disney Food Blog.]
According to federal regulations, airlines must avoid advertising unrealistic flight schedules. Southwest is accused of promoting flight times that didn't match actual performance, which DOT argues is deceptive and anticompetitive.
If a flight has been chronically delayed for over four months and occurs at least 10 times a month, arriving more than 30 minutes late 50% of the time, it meets the definition of "unrealistic scheduling." Between April and August 2022, Southwest had two flights consistently delayed, impacting 180 flights: one route between Chicago and Oakland and another between Baltimore and Cleveland.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics claims Southwest caused over 90% of disruptions for these chronically delayed flights. While DOT regulations allow airlines to adjust schedules, Southwest reportedly failed to do so.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized airlines' obligations for realistic scheduling, adding that the lawsuit is a warning to all airlines regarding passenger rights.
Southwest expressed disappointment with the lawsuit, arguing the delayed flights don’t represent their operations. We'll continue to update on this case. Stay tuned for more information.
Find out how to be compensated for flight delays or cancellations. Consider subscribing to our newsletter for more updates!
[The post originally appeared on Disney Food Blog.]