By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) said on Wednesday it is investigating whether Southwest Airlines engaged in “unrealistic scheduling of flights” in December when it was hit by a systems meltdown and canceled thousands of flights.
A “rigorous and comprehensive investigation into Southwest Airlines’ holiday debacle that stranded millions” is in its early stages, the department said in a statement.
Southwest canceled more than 16,000 flights in the week ending Dec. 29 after its crew scheduling software failed to handle staffing changes. Congress has hearings planned on the cancellations.
The investigation was previously announced but USDOT disclosed on Wednesday it is reviewing whether “Southwest executives engaged in unrealistic scheduling of flights which under federal law is considered an unfair and deceptive practice.”
Southwest said it will “cooperate…
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