(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In a move that underscores the importance of passenger rights, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines for repeated flight delays.
This heavy-handed approach threatens to ground a successful American company, potentially hurting both employees and passengers.
As government bureaucrats meddle in private business operations, it is questionable whether this is about protecting consumers or expanding federal control.
The DOT, led by Biden appointee Pete Buttigieg, has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines for operating two “chronically late” flights.
“Airlines have a legal obligation to ensure that their flight schedules provide travelers with realistic departure and arrival times,” Secretary Buttigieg declared, seemingly ignoring the complexities of airline operations and the myriad factors that can cause delays.
This unprecedented move comes despite Southwest’s strong performance record since 2009, with over 20 million flights and no other Chronically Delayed Flight policy violations.
The act, filed in federal court in California, focuses on two specific routes: Chicago Midway to Oakland and Baltimore to Cleveland.
The government claims these flights were consistently delayed, with one route late 19 out of 25 times in April 2022 and 16 out of 27 times in May 2022.
While the current administration claims to be championing passenger rights, this lawsuit reeks of government overreach.
Southwest Airlines, a company known for its customer-friendly policies and efficient operations, is being targeted for what amounts to a fraction of its overall flight schedule.
“Since DOT issued its Chronically Delayed Flight (CDF) policy in 2009, Southwest has operated more than 20 million flights with no other CDF violations,” a Southwest spokesperson stated, highlighting the airline’s impressive track record.
Meanwhile, the litigation seeks maximum civil penalties, potentially costing Southwest around $2.2 million.
This financial burden could ultimately be passed on to customers in the form of higher ticket prices, contradicting the government’s claim of protecting consumer interests.
Interestingly, while the DOT is cracking down on Southwest, it is worth noting that the airline ranked fifth among major carriers for delays in 2024.
More importantly, Southwest led the industry in the “completion factor,” with over 99% of flights reaching their destination.
This action is part of a broader pattern of the Biden administration’s interference in private business operations.
From pushing for “fee transparency” to dictating passenger compensation policies, the government is steadily increasing its control over the airline industry.
Southwest expressed disappointment over the lawsuit, stating, “Any claim that these two flights represent an unrealistic schedule is simply not credible when compared with our performance over the past 15 years.”
This lawsuit against Southwest Airlines may set a dangerous precedent for increased government control over private businesses, potentially stifling innovation and competition in the name of “consumer protection.”
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