The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) has taken enforcement action against two major airlines, Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines, over chronically delayed flights that disrupted passengers' travel plans. According to a press release, the USDOT is suing Southwest Airlines for "illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights" and fining Frontier Airlines $650,000 in civil penalties.

The USDOT's investigation found that Southwest Airlines operated two chronically delayed flights between April and August 2022, resulting in 180 flight disruptions for passengers. The flights in question were between Chicago Midway International Airport and Oakland, California, and between Baltimore, Maryland, and Cleveland, Ohio. Each flight was chronically delayed for five straight months, with arrivals more than 30 minutes late more than 50 percent of the time.

A flight is considered chronically delayed if it is flown at least 10 times a month and arrives more than 30 minutes late more than 50 percent of the time, according to the USDOT. Southwest Airlines has disputed the allegations, stating that the two flights in question occurred more than two years ago and do not represent an unrealistic schedule. The airline claims to have operated more than 20 million flights with no other chronically delayed flights since the USDOT's Chronically Delayed Flight policy was introduced in 2009.

In addition to the lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, the USDOT is also taking enforcement action against Frontier Airlines. The airline has been fined $650,000 in civil penalties, with $325,000 to be paid to the US Treasury and the remaining $325,000 suspended if Frontier does not operate any chronically delayed flights in the next three years.

This is not the first time the USDOT has taken action against airlines for chronically delayed flights. Earlier this month, the department announced a $2 million penalty against JetBlue for operating chronically delayed flights. In 2023, the USDOT also fined Southwest Airlines over a holiday meltdown that stranded millions of passengers in 2022.

The USDOT's enforcement actions against Southwest and Frontier Airlines highlight the department's commitment to protecting passengers' rights and ensuring that airlines operate safely and efficiently. The actions also underscore the importance of airlines adhering to regulations and prioritizing passenger safety and convenience.

As the airline industry continues to grapple with the challenges of flight delays and cancellations, the USDOT's actions serve as a reminder of the need for airlines to prioritize passenger experience and comply with regulations. The outcome of the lawsuit against Southwest Airlines and the fines against Frontier Airlines will likely have significant implications for the industry, and passengers will be watching closely to see how these actions impact their travel experiences.