Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has pledged to hold Southwest Airlines accountable for its operational challenges that led to thousands of flight cancellations even as a winter storm that initiated the difficulties has subsided.
According to an AP News report, Southwest Airlines continued to cancel flights, calling off nearly 10,000 flights as of Dec. 28, with more expected in the following days.
“Southwest passengers have experienced unacceptable disruptions and customer service conditions,” Buttigieg said in a Dec. 27 post on Twitter. “I have made clear to their executives that our department will hold Southwest accountable for making things right with their customers and employees.”
Buttigieg confirmed the DOT will work to ensure Southwest helps its customers "get through this situation and to make sure that this can't happen again," according to a Dec. 28 CNN report. Buttigieg also said the Department of Transportation is prepared to seek fines against the company if there is proof that it failed to meet its legal obligations.
Buttigieg also said other airlines should step up to help the Southwest customers, according to another Twitter post.
“As travelers look to rebook due to Southwest's cancellations, other airlines should cap fares on these routes to help people who need to get home,” Buttigieg said. “I'm encouraged to see several airlines have now committed to this step – all of them should.”
