The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) said Thursday that Dallas-based Southwest Airlines has been fined $200,000 for violating the full-fare advertising rule.
DOT says Southwest Airlines advertised on TV in Atlanta last October that flights to Chicago, New York and Los Angeles were only $59 on some dates.
The DOT says an investigation by its Aviation Enforcement Office concluded “Southwest did not have any seats available for $59 between Atlanta and any of the three quoted cities on any of the applicable travel dates.”
The false advertising violated the full-fare advertising rule and engaged in prohibited and deceptive practices.
“DOT’s full-fare advertising rules were put into place to ensure that consumers are not deceived when they search for plane tickets,” said Anthony Foxx, U.S. Transportation Secretary. “Consumers have rights, and DOT will continue to take enforcement action against carriers and ticket agents when our price advertising rules are violated.”
This was the second time the department placed a cease and desist order on Southwest Airlines for violating the full-fare advertising rule.
Due to the violation of a previous cease and desist order, the carrier was forced to pay an additional $100,000.
Agencies/Canadajournal
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