As previously reported by REVOLT, as of yesterday (Dec. 27), approximately 5,400 flights had been canceled by Southwest Airlines within 48 hours. While brutally cold temperatures and winter storms were the obvious reason for a portion of the nixed flights, the number of axed travel plans grew so large that a federal investigation by the United States Department of Transportation is now underway.
According to an article published today (Dec. 28) by the New York Post, Southwest Airlines has canceled 12,000 flights since Friday (Dec. 23), making the Christmas holiday a nightmare for thousands of travelers, many of whom are now stranded throughout the country. In addition to customers who are understandably frustrated, baggage claim stations have been a mess. Multiple news stations have reported large amounts of suitcases are being left unattended because they are arriving at airports before stranded passengers have a chance to retrieve them. Airline staff has also been overwhelmed by the avalanche of problems.
On the heels of wide-scale disruptions, we're working diligently to Safely recover our operation & accommodate displaced Customers & Crews. We know this is unacceptable & sincerely apologize. If your travel was impacted, explore self-service options here: https://t.co/B6L8HR9Yqc pic.twitter.com/mLWndYMned
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) December 28, 2022
Yesterday, in an effort to do some much-needed damage control, Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan issued a statement. In a nearly three-minute clip posted to the company’s official Twitter account, Jordan said he is “truly sorry.” He also referred to his employees as “heroic” and applauded them for trying their best to “stabilize the airline.” His video was accompanied by a message that read, “On the heels of wide-scale disruptions, we’re working diligently to safely recover our operation [and] accommodate displaced customers [and] crews. We know this is unacceptable [and] sincerely apologize. If your travel was impacted, explore self-service options here.” A link with further instructions was also provided.
The issue has grown so large that even President Biden released a statement. Yesterday, he vowed that his administration will ensure that airlines are held responsible for the massive inconvenience. Multiple outlets also reported that Southwest Airlines canceled all flights through the new year.
See related posts below.
Thousands of flights nationwide have been canceled around the holidays.
Our Administration is working to ensure airlines are held accountable.
If you’ve been affected by cancellations, go to @USDOT’s dashboard to see if you’re entitled to compensation. https://t.co/r0YBCPyKes https://t.co/1ZdqhBOAoL
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 27, 2022
#Breaking: Southwest Airlines just cancelled 2,500 flights for today.
That’s about 60% of its schedule. pic.twitter.com/7KcuzynziK— scott budman (@scottbudman) December 28, 2022
.@SouthwestAir your solo desk agent worked 16 hours, was asked to keep working because of canceled flights. They broke down crying at the desk. This employee treatment is not ok.
I can be chill about weather/computer issues, but abusing your workers will make me switch airlines.— Ruth, MDiv (@ruthschmidt) December 26, 2022
#southwest airlines sent bags to #LAX but not passengers.#Laurenmcoronado #SouthwestAirlines #Greta #AndrewTate #Wentz #wednesdaythought #Grundy #Noiretv pic.twitter.com/PtE6TiwGLD
— Noiretv (@Noiretvnetwork) December 28, 2022
This is the scene here at @DENAirport as of 9:30 p.m. tonight. Hundreds, if not thousands, of bags belonging to @SouthwestAir passengers remain. @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/jAUDSaC3PF
— Pattrik Perez (@PattrikPerez) December 28, 2022
if you’re wondering just how bad the southwest airlines situation is, here’s unclaimed baggage at the denver airport pic.twitter.com/qRLfXwBsiu
— MJ (@morganisawizard) December 28, 2022
That class action lawsuit against Southwest Airlines better be an all-timer.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) December 27, 2022
wowww, southwest cancellations is off the fuckin wall. And online, it ain't no flights till the New Year. Here go all my leave days dawg😭🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/LCHRwOcRsP
— Steve (@Shelovesstevee) December 27, 2022
southwest can catch these hands. waited for hours at the sacramento airport while they kept delaying our flights. all flights were then cancelled, and they made us look for our own luggage- which was left out in the open, for anyone to grab. no apologies. no comp. just madness. pic.twitter.com/ucrsuh2xqX
— 🤐 (@elevated4088) December 27, 2022