In an unprecedented move, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has fined JetBlue for "a prohibited unrealistic scheduling practice" and chronic delays. The airline will pay a $2 million penalty for the inconvenience it caused customers.
The DOT rules a flight chronically delayed if it is flown 10 times a month or more and arrives late more than 50% of the time. This particular investigation looked at regularly delayed JetBlue flights between June 2022 and November 2023.
Our Analysis: Airlines Should Put Passengers Experience First — or Pay
There are few travel dilemmas as frustrating as a delayed flight, as it can trigger a domino effect of rescheduled air tickets, tours, hotels and more. Of course, the travel advisors standing metaphorically behind those travelers bear the brunt of that work. Seeing the DOT take action, and stand up to a major airline in a way it never has before, is surely a win for both the traveler and the trade, who have always hoped that the passenger experience is every airline's top priority. With any luck, the threat of being slapped with a hefty fine will inspire them to do just that.
Today's action puts the airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality.
Fast Facts: These Fines Offer a Boost to the U.S. Treasury, and Impacted Passengers
- The chronic delays took place on JetBlue flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina; between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida, and JFK; and between Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
- Of the $2 million penalty, half will go to the U.S. Treasury, while the other half will go to passengers inconvenienced by the chronically delayed flights or select future flight cancellations or delays.
What They Are Saying: The DOT Will Enforce Rules Around Passenger Fairness
“Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers,” said Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Secretary of Transportation. “Today's action puts the airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality. The department will enforce the law against airlines with chronic delays or unrealistic scheduling practices in order to protect healthy competition and ensure passengers are treated fairly.”
