DOT, Senators Call On Southwest to Compensate Stranded Passengers

Pilots worry the airline might not recover from the latest debacle.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 04:16 PM ET

Verified

Federal officials want Southwest Airlines to compensate passengers stranded by recent flight cancellations. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Southwest Airlines is facing intense pressure from federal officials and politicians to compensate customers for widespread flight cancellations and disruptions, particularly during holiday travel.
Southwest pilots attribute the recurring problems to an inadequate scheduling system (specifically "SkySolver") and inefficient management, not a pilot shortage, warning the airline's long-term survival is at risk.
Officials and senators argue that Southwest can afford to fairly compensate affected passengers, noting the company plans to issue significant dividends to shareholders.

See a mistake? Contact us.

As scheduling woes and flight cancellations persist at Southwest Airlines, federal officials and politicians are calling for the company to compensate its stranded customers for their frustration, lost time, added expense, and ruined vacation plans.

Meanwhile the airline’s pilots, including many who once were attracted to the company because of its reputation for a dynamic, rewarding work culture, worry that Southwest may not recover from its latest catastrophe.