United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
DOT fines Spirit Airlines for misleading bumped passengers
The US department of transportation hit Spirit Airlines with a $350,000 fine for misleading passengers over involuntary ‘bumping.’
On flights that are oversold, airlines routinely offer compensation for passengers to relinquish their seats.
When there are not enough volunteers, airlines are forced to bump them off flights as long as compensation is offered.
The DOT alleged the airline undercompensated some bumped passengers and was misleading about their right to compensation.
Between January 2017 and June 2018 the airline bumped passengers but in many cases characterized them as volunteers.
It forced them into signing an ‘acknowledgment form’ that ultimately denied them the proper compensation under federal law.
"We have made appropriate changes to our processes and compensation offerings long since this period of review," Spirit Airlines told Fox Business.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel