Sen. Baldwin presses Southwest Airlines to invest in updated technology after holiday travel disruptions
WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Senator Tammy Baldwin pressed Southwest Airlines executives Thursday to invest in updated technology after the holiday travel disruptions that occurred in December of 2022.
Baldwin addressed the "operational failures" that left many people stranded and without luggage during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing.
She asked the airline to invest in software and update operations to "prevent future disasters" and protect consumers.
“Wisconsin families were left high and dry this holiday season – stranded in airports, driving across the country, and missing precious family time – because Southwest executives failed to prioritize their customers,” said Senator Baldwin. “Southwest Airlines must invest in their technology and operations to ensure a meltdown like this can never happen, rather than paying out their wealthy stockholders. I look forward to using the information we gained today in our Committee’s work to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration and strengthen protections for consumers.”
Baldwin also expressed concern in the communication between Southwest Airlines and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport throughout the December meltdown.