Southwest Airlines Faces Legal Action Over 'Chronically Delayed' Flights

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken legal action against Southwest Airlines, alleging that the airline operated multiple chronically delayed flights, disrupting passengers' travel plans. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks maximum civil penalties for Southwest's unrealistic scheduling practices.

The DOT investigation found that Southwest operated two specific flights that were chronically delayed for five straight months, resulting in 180 flight disruptions for passengers between April and August 2022. These flights were between Chicago Midway International Airport and Oakland, California, and between Baltimore, Maryland, and Cleveland, Ohio. The DOT estimated that Southwest was responsible for more than 90% of the disruptions for these two chronically delayed flights.



Southwest Airlines has been under increased scrutiny from federal regulators in recent years, following a series of incidents, including flying at very low altitudes while still miles away from an airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been monitoring the airline's compliance with federal safety regulations, continually adjusting its oversight based on risk.

The DOT's lawsuit against Southwest comes on the heels of fines imposed on other airlines for similar issues. In January 2025, the DOT fined JetBlue $2 million for chronic delays on specific routes, and Frontier Airlines $650,000 for operating multiple chronically delayed flights. These enforcement actions indicate a trend of increased scrutiny and penalties for airlines that fail to provide realistic departure and arrival times.



Southwest Airlines has maintained that it is "disappointed" by the DOT's lawsuit, stating that the allegations are based on flights from over two years ago. The airline has also emphasized its strong on-time performance record, completing over 99% of its flights without cancellation in 2024. However, Southwest's on-time performance ranking among North American airlines in 2023 was fifth, with 77.8% of arrivals and a little under 77% of departures taking place in a timely way. This suggests that the airline may still have room for improvement in its scheduling practices.

The DOT's lawsuit against Southwest Airlines highlights the importance of airlines providing realistic departure and arrival times to passengers, as well as the consequences of failing to do so. As the airline industry continues to evolve, regulators and consumers alike will be watching closely to ensure that airlines adhere to these principles, promoting fair competition and protecting passenger rights.



In conclusion, the DOT's lawsuit against Southwest Airlines serves as a reminder of the importance of realistic scheduling practices in the airline industry. As the industry continues to face challenges and scrutiny, airlines must prioritize passenger rights and fair competition to maintain their reputations and attract future investments. By adhering to these principles, airlines can help ensure a more reliable and passenger-friendly industry.