U.S. Senate Checks damages from Southwest Airlines for Canceling 16700 Flights
2023.02.17 02:23
U.S. Senate Checks damages from Southwest Airlines for Canceling 16700 Flights
By Kristina Sobol
Budrigannews.com – Maria Cantwell, chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, asked Southwest Airlines (NYSE:) on Thursday: to provide an exhaustive record of all refunds granted and denied following the cancellation of 16,700 flights in December as a result of a technological glitch.
The Democratic senator inquired of Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson of Southwest Airlines for specific information regarding the disruptions to 2 million passengers’ travel plans.
Last week, Watterson stated that the airline had compensated and reimbursed travelers for hundreds of millions of dollars.
The airline is estimated to have lost more than $1 billion as a result of the meltdown, which prompted an investigation by the U.S. Transportation Department.
Last week, Watterson stated that the airline has reimbursed more than 273,000 of the approximately 284,000 claims submitted by passengers affected by the meltdown, leaving 10,782. He stated that more recent submissions were being considered. He added that all but 200 bags without identification had been returned.
Cantwell stated that she desired information on the number of passengers who received refunds, the total amount, and the number of passengers who proactively accepted a voucher, credit, or rebooked with Southwest.
Southwest informed Cantwell’s office that it had received the letter and would continue to communicate with him.
In a statement, the airline said, “We share a collective commitment to ensure that Southwest customers receive great care and hospitality.”
Southwest was harshly criticized by U.S. senators who are looking into the airline’s meltdown at a hearing that was held last week by Cantwell’s committee. The situation was dubbed an “unmitigated disaster” by one legislator.
The airline and its pilot union offered conflicting explanations for the extensive travel disruptions caused by the low-cost carrier. The union singled out poor preparation and a failure to modernize technology, whereas Southwest cited weather effects.
According to Watterson, the airline committed errors and encountered technological difficulties.
This week, Cantwell questioned Southwest’s decision to resume dividend payments rather than prioritize IT system upgrades.
According to Watterson, higher requests were sent to a supervisor, while any passenger claim that was well-documented and under $4,000 could be paid right away. He went on to say that 96% of claims were processed.
Watterson stated, “We reimbursed tire chains, strollers, car seats, and pet sitting, but we did not reimburse things like $7,000 luxury store shopping sprees or chartering a private jet.”
