The Latest Breaking News from Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines’ December meltdown opened the door for lawmakers and consumer advocates to push for more regulation and passenger protections. But at what cost?

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan was conspicuous by his absence from Thursday’s U.S. Senate committee hearing into the carrier’s December holiday meltdown.

Southwest Airlines has reimbursed more than 273,406 passengers since its December meltdown that left millions of passengers stranded, more than 96% of all requests submitted so far.

Southwest Airlines chief operating officer Andrew Watterson said an upgrade to its crew scheduling software will be ready to go Friday after two rounds of testing, which should help fix some of the problems that led to a cascade of cancellations over the winter holidays.

Congress is hearing today about the December meltdown at Southwest Airlines

The airline's problems set off an intense round of scrutiny from both fliers and the federal government.

NPR obtained Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson's prepared testimony for his scheduled appearance before a Senate committee to discuss what led to thousands of flights being canceled.

The meltdowns that recently brought flights to a halt have prompted lawmakers to draft new rules for airlines. The changes would give travelers at least $1,350 if bumped from an overbooked flight.

Southwest Airlines will cut the number of turbine engine hours needed for new hire pilots in half, making it easier for regional airline pilots and others that have flown professionally to get on board.

Just before a FedEx cargo airplane was due to land, an air traffic controller cleared the Southwest flight to depart from the same runway. The FAA and the NTSB are investigating the incident.

Southwest Airlines Co. will reduce by half the amount of experience prospective pilots must have flying jet or turboprop aircraft as it accelerates hiring this year.