Southwest Airlines Hit with $140M Fine for Holiday Meltdown

Southwest Airlines has been fined a record $140m by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for its operational meltdown in 2022, during which it cancelled over 16,900 flights. The fine, 30 times larger than any previous airline fine in US history, will primarily compensate affected passengers and send a clear message that airlines will be held accountable for failing their passengers. Southwest will also pay $35m to the government, issue $75 flight credit vouchers for delays over three hours, and has made changes to improve customer service. The DOT has closed its investigation into Southwest's flight schedule, unable to reach a firm conclusion.