DOT sues Southwest Airlines for chronic delays, takes action against Frontier

United States and U.S. Department of Transportation DOT announced a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines (LUV) for illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights and disrupting passengers’ travel. Operating chronically delayed flights is an unrealistic scheduling practice and can harm both passengers and fair competition across the airline industry. DOT’s lawsuit against Southwest seeks maximum civil penalties. “As part of our commitment to supporting passenger rights and fairness in the market for airline travel, we are suing Southwest Airlines for disrupting passengers’ travel with unlawful chronic flight delays,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Airlines have a legal obligation to ensure that their flight schedules provide travelers with realistic departure and arrival times. Today’s action sends a message to all airlines that the Department is prepared to go to court in order to enforce passenger protections.” DOT also took enforcement action against Frontier Airlines (ULCC) for operating multiple chronically delayed flights. DOT fined Frontier $650,000 in civil penalties with $325,000 to be paid to the U.S. Treasury and the remaining $325,000 to be suspended if the carrier does not operate any chronically delayed flights in the next three years.