Southwest Airlines sued for not providing refunds after a meltdown

NEW YORK—Southwest Airlines Passenger claims it failed to provide services and sued it refunds To passengers The carrier cancelled more than 15,000 flights last month after it experienced an operational meltdown, leaving passengers without a means of transportation.

In a proposed class action filed on Dec. 30 in New Orleans federal court, Eric Capdeville accused Southwest of breach of contract after a fierce winter storm that swept across the United States shortly before Christmas upended the carrier’s schedule.

Although Southwest promised reimbursement to passengers for expenses Capdeville stated that it was only a credit to him, his daughter, and their flight from New Orleans to Portland on Dec. 27, 2018, when they were unable to book alternate travel.

Affected passengers “cannot use their airline tickets through no fault of their own and they are not getting the benefit of their bargain with defendant,” According to the complaint.

Capdeville, a Marrero (Lafayette) resident, is seeking damages from Southwest passengers who had their Southwest flights cancelled since Dec. 24, 2017. He did not receive reimbursements for expenses or refunds.

Southwest stated Tuesday that it would not comment on the lawsuit but did say that it had. “several high priority efforts underway to do right by our customers, including processing refunds from canceled flights, and reimbursing customers for expenses incurred as a result of the irregular operations.”

Capdeville’s lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.

Staff shortages and an outdated flight scheduling program were the main causes of the Southwest meltdown in Dallas.

Southwest said that it would reimburse passengers affected for reasonable expenses like last-minute hotel or rental car costs and meal costs. However, it could take several weeks.

The airline largely resumed normal operations Dec. 30, a few days after other airlines had returned from the storm.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg described the disruptions in a letter dated Dec. 29, addressed to Southwest Chief Executive Bob Jordan. “unacceptable” The law requires that refunds be given to passengers if carriers cancel flights.

Capdeville v Southwest Airlines Co. U.S District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana No. 22–05590.

Jonathan Stempel