The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a $2 million penalty on JetBlue Airways for operating multiple flights with chronic delays, marking the first enforcement action of its kind. This landmark decision is aimed at addressing airlines that schedule flights with unrealistic timetables, which harm passengers and stifle fair competition.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasised the significance of the ruling, stating, “Illegal chronic flight delays make flying unreliable for travelers. Today’s action puts the airline industry on notice that we expect their flight schedules to reflect reality.” He added, “The department will enforce the law against airlines with chronic delays or unrealistic scheduling practices to protect healthy competition and ensure passengers are treated fairly.”
Chronic Delays and DOT Findings
The DOT investigation revealed that JetBlue operated four chronically delayed routes between June 2022 and November 2023. These routes met the DOT’s criteria for chronic delays: flights operated at least ten times per month that arrived over 30 minutes late more than 50% of the time. JetBlue continued to operate three of these routes even after receiving a warning from the DOT.
The DOT found that JetBlue was responsible for approximately 80% of the disruptions on these flights, attributing the delays to the airline’s failure to adjust its schedules. The department concluded that JetBlue’s unrealistic scheduling practices violated federal regulations and caused significant inconvenience to passengers.
Penalty and Compensation
Of the $2 million penalty, half will be used to compensate affected passengers. Those impacted by JetBlue’s chronic delays will receive a minimum of $75 per passenger. The remaining $1 million will go to the U.S. Treasury.
The DOT has also ordered JetBlue to cease its chronic flight delays and adjust its schedules to prevent further disruptions. Any future delays of three hours or more will trigger additional compensation for passengers.
A Warning to the Industry
This decision sets a precedent in the airline industry, with Secretary Buttigieg calling it a warning to other carriers. “The penalty is the first time the U.S. Department of Transportation has fined an airline for engaging in unrealistic scheduling that harms both passengers and fair competition,” he stated.
The DOT is currently investigating other airlines for similar scheduling practices, underscoring its commitment to holding carriers accountable for the reliability of their services.
JetBlue’s penalty highlights the DOT’s efforts to ensure that airlines prioritise passenger rights and adhere to realistic scheduling practices. For passengers, this decision represents a step toward greater accountability and reliability in air travel. For the industry, it serves as a clear reminder that unrealistic scheduling will not be tolerated.
