As millions of passengers begin to fill airports for the 2023 holiday season, Southwest Airlines is still facing consequences for last year's holiday travel meltdown. The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a record $140 million fine against Southwest on Monday, while also introducing new consumer protections and enforcements to help avoid another meltdown, which left thousands of flights canceled and passengers across the United States stranded, from happening again. “We’re pleased to have reached this consumer-friendly settlement, which includes a new, industry-leading policy to compensate Customers during significant delays and cancellations,” Southwest Airlines shared in a statement about the settlement. After the holiday travel meltdown of 2022, the Department of Transportation conducted an extensive investigation which found the airline failed to provide prompt refunds and general service to «hundreds of thousands of Southwest customers». As a result of the investigation, the Department of Transportation says that Southwest will be financially responsible for at least $750 million which includes refunds, future compensation for tickets, and more. In addition to the fine and payments, the DOT enforcement also requires that Southwest establish a $90 million reserve fund for future flight delays and cancellation. “This industry-leading benefit will ensure that Southwest passengers impacted by any future significant disruptions will receive not only flight rebooking, hotels, and food during the delay, but also timely compensation from Southwest due to the inconvenience,” the DOT release shares. Looking ahead to the holiday travel season that is currently underway, Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan said the airline is “absolutely ready” in a recent interview, and that the airline has taken many steps to ensure reliable air service, Airline passengers this holiday can also utilize new tools from the Department of Transportation, including an interactive dashboard which shows their rights when flying. “For those who are planning to fly.
Post-Thanksgiving Winter Weather Warnings Impact Millions, Making Travel Conditions Treacherous
28.11.2023 - 22:37 / travelpulse.com / Laurie Baratti
A sweeping storm system is impacting much of the United States on this, the final day of the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel weekend. Nearly 14 million people found themselves under various winter weather alerts on Sunday, according to The New York Times.
The post-Thanksgiving snowstorm swept over the Rockies and Central Plains region, leading to winter storm warnings in parts of Michigan, while weather advisories remained in effect across areas of the Midwest and Great Lakes, the Weather Prediction Center said on Sunday.
Moderate to heavy snowfall is anticipated in the Southern Rockies and Central Plains, impacting regions like Kansas, where up to a foot of snow has already fallen in some areas. The National Weather Service emphasizes the potential for hazardous travel conditions due to gusty winds and heavy snow.
The National Weather Service's forecast for the tail end of Thanksgiving weekend, 2023. (Photo Credit: National Weather Service)
In Wichita, Kansas, the local Weather Service described the majority of roadways as "snow-packed and icy", prompting meteorologists to caution drivers to reduce their speeds and allow extra travel time. Parts of Iowa have already seen up to four inches of snow, while Missouri has experienced as much as 5.3 inches. Nebraska reported 10 inches and parts of Colorado also witnessed some extreme snowfall volumes, ranging from 10.5 to 23 inches.
The wintry weather persists while an estimated 55.4 million people have been projected to travel during the Thanksgiving weekend, marking a 2.3 percent increase from last year, according to AAA. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is anticipating increased activity at airport security checkpoints through Tuesday. It has predicted that around 2.9 million passengers will be screened on Sunday, which the TSA noted “will likely be the busiest travel day” of the season.
Despite the increased potential for air travel delays and cancellations, airports have thus far experienced minimal disruptions, with only 33 flights within, into or out of the country having been canceled as of Sunday afternoon, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.
The winter storm system is predicted to move northeast into the Middle and Upper Mississippi Valley region and the western Great Lakes, heightening the potential for heavy lake-effect snow on Sunday and Monday. Showers and thunderstorms are also expected along the Gulf Coast and into Florida.
The Weather Service noted that temperatures will remain below average across much of the country over the next several days. The Central Rockies, Northern and Central Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes are expected to experience highs in the 20s and 30s. “Lows into the single digits
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