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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has taken significant legal action against Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines in response to persistent flight delays that have caused major disruptions to travelers.
On Monday, the USDOT filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, accusing the carrier of operating “chronically delayed” flights.
The lawsuit targets two key routes: one between Chicago Midway International Airport and Oakland, California, and the other between Baltimore, Maryland, and Cleveland, Ohio.
These routes were plagued with delays, impacting over 180 flights between April and August 2022. The USDOT argues that Southwest’s failure to address the delays constitutes a violation of passenger rights under federal law.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made it clear that the department is taking these issues seriously, emphasizing that the government would not hesitate to pursue legal action when airlines fail to meet the standards of reliability and customer service required.
“Airlines have a legal obligation to ensure their flight schedules are realistic,” Buttigieg stated in a press release.
“The Department of Transportation is committed to ensuring that passengers are protected and that their rights are respected.”
In addition to the lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, the USDOT has imposed a hefty $650,000 fine on Frontier Airlines for similar issues with chronic flight delays.
Of the total fine, $325,000 will be paid directly to the U.S. Treasury, while the remaining $325,000 will be suspended.
However, Frontier must comply with the terms of the suspension by refraining from operating any chronically delayed flights for the next three years.
Both airlines are facing increased scrutiny as the USDOT continues its efforts to hold carriers accountable for poor service that directly impacts passengers.
Industry experts view this legal action as part of a broader initiative to ensure more transparency and improved operational reliability in the airline industry.
These recent developments come as part of a wider effort by the USDOT to enforce passenger protection laws and prevent prolonged disruptions to air travel, which have become increasingly common in recent years.
For more updates on this evolving story, stay tuned to official announcements from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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