Southwest canceled over 16,700 flights around Christmas after it struggled to recover from a severe winter storm across the country.
The U.S. Transportation Department is probing Southwest Airlines Co.’s scheduling in the wake of its holiday meltdown last month, examining whether executives sold more flights than the airline could realistically operate.
The DOT said it is in the initial phase of a comprehensive investigation into the late December debacle. As part of the investigation, the department said it is looking into whether Southwest engaged in an “unfair and deceptive practice” by offering an unrealistic schedule.