South-west Airlines breached these standards by operating two trips that were consistently delayed between April and August 2022.
WASHINGTON- On January 15, 2025, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) filed a complaint against South-west Airlines (WN), citing the carrier’s persistently delayed flights.
The lawsuit seeks the greatest civil fines for offences that impede passenger travel and distort airline sector competitiveness.
Southwest Sued for Flight Delays
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasised the Department’s commitment to defending passenger rights and promoting fair market competition in air travel.
He noted that airlines must give realistic flight schedules to passengers, and that this case indicates the DOT’s willingness to take legal action to safeguard passenger rights.
The Department’s enforcement activities go beyond South-west Airlines. In a related case, the DOT fined Frontier Airlines (F9) $650,000 for identical chronic delay infractions.
Frontier must pay $325,000 to the US Treasury immediately, with the rest amount delayed pending the airline’s continued delay-free operations over the next three years.
Strict Oversight
The Department of Transportation enforces rigors controls on airline scheduling procedures, establishing precise guidelines for what constitutes illegal flight operations.
Airlines face legal implications for advertising timetables that differ from real arrival and departure times, as these activities create unfair market advantages and disrupt passenger travel plans.
According to federal criteria, an aircraft is considered chronically delayed if it runs at least ten times per month and encounters delays of more than 30 minutes in more than half of its operations. The regulations include flight cancellations and diversions in the delay calculation, creating comprehensive criteria for measuring airline performance.
South-west Airlines breached these standards by operating two trips that were consistently delayed between April and August 2022.
The first route connected Chicago Midway International Airport to Oakland, California, while the second served Baltimore, Maryland, and Cleveland, Ohio. These operations resulted in 180 flight interruptions, with chronic delays on both routes lasting five months.
South-west was responsible for more than 90% of these disruptions, according to statistics given to the Department of Transportation.
Federal laws provide airlines enough time to adjust their plans once flights exhibit chronic delay trends. However, South-west failed to make the necessary timetable adjustments for these troublesome routes.
The Department of Justice has joined DOT in filing this complaint, which has been assigned to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
FAQ
Why is Southwest Airlines being sued by the US DOT?
Southwest Airlines is being sued by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for allegedly failing to address chronic flight delays that have significantly impacted passengers.
What are the allegations against Southwest Airlines?
The allegations include repeated flight delays, poor communication with passengers, and failure to provide adequate compensation or rebooking options during operational disruptions.
How has Southwest Airlines responded to the lawsuit?
Southwest Airlines has stated that it is committed to improving its operational performance and passenger experience. They have yet to provide specific details regarding the lawsuit.
What penalties could Southwest Airlines face?
If found guilty, Southwest Airlines could face significant fines, sanctions, or mandatory changes to its operational procedures to comply with DOT regulations.
How can passengers affected by flight delays seek compensation?
Passengers affected by flight delays can contact Southwest Airlines’ customer service or file a complaint with the US DOT to seek compensation for disruptions.
