Pilots’ union claims it is not the weather.
After the severe winter storm brought much of the nation’s air travel to a halt, most airlines are running closer to their normal winter flight schedules. However, Southwest Airlines has canceled thousands of flights in and passengers are calling the experience a “chaotic meltdown.“ Some who are able to make their flights have had their luggage displaced in a sea of baggage that may take several days to sort.
While the arctic blizzard conditions and below-freezing temperatures initially created a backlog, Southwest’s leadership has continued to attribute the airline’s troubles to the weather. However, some Southwest staff and members of the pilot union are reporting the problem is due to outdated scheduling software which not only tracks passenger connections but the schedules and whereabouts of pilots and flight attendants.
The Department of Transportation is looking into the matter. President Joe Biden said, “Southwest will be held accountable.”
Southwest canceled another 2,500 flights Wednesday, perpetuating travel woes.
“Our plan for the next few days is to fly a reduced schedule and reposition our people and planes,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan stated Tuesday night. “We are making headway and we are optimistic to be back on track before next week.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Transportation Department officials as they investigate the causes of the airline’s cancelations.
- For the president and his administration as they seek to protect air travelers.
- For airline executives and decision-makers as they work to alleviate the backlog and straighten out scheduling and baggage.
- For travelers and their families who have been stranded or displaced by the cancelations during this busy holiday season.
Sources: Business Insider, Fox Business, Washington Examiner
