While a recent blizzard struck much of the United States and affected many airlines and travelers this holiday season, Southwest Airlines continues to suffer, canceling more than 5,500 flights within 48 hours. For comparison, the second-most cancellations over the last two days fell to Delta Air Lines, which only had 311 cancellations. Southwest’s total meltdown marks one of the worst among all airlines in decades, leaving the travel industry wondering how something like this could happen.
In fact, as of the morning of Dec. 28, out of the 2,770 cancellations already made for flights in and out of the country today, 2,507 are operated by Southwest, according to FlightAware. On Dec. 27, 2,694 of the more than 3,200 canceled flights in and out of the United States were Southwest Airlines flights.
A combination of factors led to the breakdown of service, including staff shortages from COVID-19, outdated computer systems used by Southwest Airlines crew, and a bout of the flu and RSV sweeping through Southwest Airlines’ employees. While sickness remains an issue that cannot be easily controlled, outdated systems leading to a breakdown of this magnitude are within the airline’s control and will obviously lead future travelers to secondguess booking Southwest.
Now, thousands of passengers try to get home. Some never even reached their destinations for Christmas, carrying unopened gifts with them in airports. Passengers have also been spotted sleeping on airport floors as they wait for flights. Recent viral videos on social media depict passengers of canceled Southwest flights piling into a rental car, all strangers to one another, and driving hours to their intended destination. Denver International Airport sees the most cancellations today, Dec. 28, with Dallas Love Field and Chicago Midway following close behind.
The meltdown reached U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, who plans to hold the airline accountable for their errors and responsibilities. Buttigieg continues to speak with Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan to fix the problems and get passengers to their destinations as soon as possible.
Passengers of canceled Southwest flights are encouraged to keep all receipts of payment, from hotel receipts to rental car receipts. Many passengers already rebooked flights on different airlines, as Southwest Airlines continues to struggle to manage the influx of complaints and re-bookings, as well as the potential for more canceled flights in the coming days.
Read This Next
![](https://www.globaltravelerusa.com/wp-content/uploads/group-904.png)
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSeptember 2024
Sep 6, 2024Escape to Tahiti for a Captivating Island-Hopping Cruise
The 118 islands of French Polynesia reveal themselves layer by fascinating layer, with the spirit of mana (vital force) linking them all the way from Tahiti to the remote reaches of the Marquesas. This is part of the world best savored on a journey that dives as deep into culture as natural beauty, both above and below the water’s surface. A cruise makes it easy to cover a lot of ground while unpacking just once (and sneaking in some work done in comfort, too, during at-sea days). And cruising offers particular appeal within this semi-autonomous French territory sprawling across nearly 2 million square miles of ocean and covering five archipelagos.
Sponsored Content
New Suites Brand Prototype Variations with Enhanced Flexibility for Business Travelers
IHG Hotels & Resorts unveiled new prototype options for three suite brands: Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Atwell Suites. By offering expanded design choices, IHG looks to meet the growing demand for flexibility among guests in the rapidly expanding suites space. Coupled with IHG Business Edge, these suite brands provide business travelers with a multitude of destinations worldwide, ideal for their stays.
September 2024
Sep 5, 2024Reykjavík’s Nordic Charm Entices Corporate Travelers
It’s a sort of unwritten, gold-rimmed rule: The more enticing the location, the more rewarding strategy sessions and networking will likely be. That makes Iceland’s easily walkable capital city ideal for business and entertaining colleagues between meetings. Happily, Reykjavík is more accessible than ever, thanks to an ever-growing collection of cruise ships making port there.
Destinations / Caribbean
Sep 4, 2024The Dominican Republic Connects the World for Meetings and Conventions
Once an isolated outpost, the Dominican Republic now sits at a global crossroads, easily accessible from North and South America and from Europe. Due to its strategic geographical location in the heart of the Caribbean — occupying two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, with Haiti taking up the westernmost third — it serves as a vital hub for trade and commerce with the rest of the world.
Sponsored Content
Extend Your Stay In Trendy Madrid
With its rich artistic and natural heritage, its outstanding transport network, the quality of its accommodation, its excellent gastronomy, and the passion with which the people of Madrid enjoy both the day and the night, the capital of Spain is one of the most attractive cities in the world.
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 4, 2024The Shelbourne Review
Facing the vast St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin sits the iconic and historic The Shelbourne. Few hotels master the perfect blend of history and luxury, but The Shelbourne gets it right. The site of the signing of the Irish Constitution in 1922 granting the Republic of Ireland its freedom from England, The Shelbourne has hosted its fair share of notable figures, from Michael Collins to Princess Grace Kelly to John Ford, the latter of which was the name of my suite.
Hilton Expands to Guyana
eFlyer News
Sep 4, 2024Brightline Launches Limited-Time Deals
eFlyer Deals
Sep 4, 2024eFlyer Lead
Sep 4, 2024Ryanair CEO Pushes for 2-Drink Limit at Airports: The Issues with Alcohol and Flying
Last week, Michael O’Leary, CEO, Ryanair, an Irish budget airline, publicly suggested a two-drink limit at airport bars due to an increase in violence among plane passengers. The limit would also ensure the safety of pilots, fellow flyers and crew.
September 2024
Sep 2, 2024Cruise Ports Weigh Benefits and Challenges as They Responsibly Modernize
Cruising gained popularity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to rapid modernization of ports worldwide to accommodate the increasing number of ship-borne visitors. From remote Pacific islands to ancient Mediterranean marinas, cruise ports are swiftly expanding, upgrading technology, and funding improvements to connecting airports and highways.
ShareThis