After a yearlong investigation, Southwest Airlines has been hit with a $140 million civil penalty for its December 2022 service disruptions, the Department of Transportation said Monday.
As the airline prepares for a busier end-of-year holiday period, Southwest is still reeling from last year’s debacle that cost nearly $1.2 billion between the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first two months of 2023.
“Today’s action sets a new precedent and sends a clear message: If airlines fail their passengers, we will use the full extent of our authority to hold them accountable,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
The fine includes a $35 million payment directly to the government, which will be paid out over three years, and is the largest fine ever imposed by the DOT for violations of consumer protection laws. Southwest has already paid more than $600 million in refunds and reimbursements to affected travelers and is expected to pay $750 million in compensatory damages.
Read more at Washingtonexaminer.com
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