Southwest Airlines has announced that select passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed during the holiday madness may receive a gift of 25,000 frequent flyer points. The announcement comes following a week-long period of flight disruptions during the busy holiday travel season. The airline hopes this offering will help appease many unhappy customers whose Christmas plans had to be altered. The gift of points is also an attempt by the airline to please passengers whose bags are still lost.

The gift of points

The announcement that the airline would give the points to select customers came with an apology from the airline. In the apology, the airline addressed the public, stating that it was sorry for all that had happened to its passengers. It also reaffirmed that its teams are doing everything possible to reschedule passengers and return all luggage to its owners.

Within the statement, the airline shared that the 25,000-point gift is a gesture of goodwill that should be well received by passengers. 25,000 points is roughly the equivalent of $300 in credit through the airline's booking system. The only passengers deemed eligible to receive the bonus points are passengers whose flights were canceled or delayed by over three hours between December 24th and January 2nd. The CEO of Southwest Airlines, Bob Jordan, issued an additional apology within the statement. He also shared that all rebooking and baggage services are being handled as quickly and efficiently as possible. Jordan stated,

"For those who have requested refunds, reimbursements and/or are waiting to be reunited with lost bag(s), those processes are being handled with great urgency and we appreciate your patience,"

A represent for Southwest Airlines shared the company's deep regrets for what has happened and its commitment to make things right. They shared the following with Simple Flying,

"Over the recent holiday travel week, we disrupted many of our Customers’ travel and holiday plans, and for that, we are truly sorry. As we embark on the journey to rebuild our Customers’ faith, loyalty, and trust, we know we have much work to do. It’s a passionate pursuit, and our Southwest Family has never been more committed to the all-important imperative of serving our Customers with the warm Hospitality and reliability."

Lost luggage

The airline hopes the bonus will help ease the minds of passengers across the country who continue to wait for their luggage. Amid the flight chaos, bags have been scattered, with many left in random parts of airports as baggage handlers struggle to keep up. Airline employees are working vigorously to reunite passengers with their long-lost luggage. Wherever possible, the airline is transporting luggage on Southwest flights. It is also partnering with FedEx to have lost luggage delivered directly to passengers' homes.

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Holiday nightmare

In the week leading up to Christmas, Southwest and most airlines experienced a high rate of cancelations and delays due to winter storms across the country. Following the inclement weather, most airlines resumed scheduled services, where Southwest's scheduling systems imploded. This led to thousands of cancelations over the coming week. Nearly 16,000 flights were canceled during this period, leaving passengers stranded at airports across the US.

Only recently did the airline resume operating a regular schedule. The company has begun to face intense scrutiny from the public as many believe the airline is responsible for mistreating passengers. While all airlines canceled flights due to winter weather, Southwest's continued cancelations are being scrutinized by critics who claim they were preventable. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched an investigation into the company concerning internal negligence. Additionally, a passenger has filed a lawsuit against the company claiming that it violated agreements with passengers and federal regulations.

What do you think of Southwest giving away bonus points to passengers? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: CNN

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  Southwest Airlines

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  WN/SWA

  Airline Type:

  Low-Cost Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Dallas Love Field, Denver International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Houston Hobby Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Midway International Airport, Oakland International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

  Year Founded:

  1967

  CEO:

  Robert Jordan

  Country:

  United States