The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a $2 million fine on JetBlue for operating flights with chronically inaccurate schedules, making it the first penalty of its kind. The fine stems from an investigation into four specific JetBlue routes that experienced significant delays over a prolonged period.
DOT Fines JetBlue Over 395 Delays, Cancellations from June 2022 to November 2023
From June 2022 to November 2023, JetBlue operated several flights that were late more than 50% of the time for at least five consecutive months.
The DOT found that these flights, which included routes between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and others between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Orlando, as well as Windsor Locks, Connecticut, were consistently delayed.
According to CBS News, over 395 delays and cancellations were tied to these four routes alone, with JetBlue found responsible for more than 70% of the delays.
According to DOT rules, airlines must not advertise unrealistic flight schedules. A flight is considered chronically delayed if it is delayed by 30 minutes or more over half of the time it is operated, for at least 10 flights per month. This practice, which misleads passengers, violates federal regulations that aim to ensure reliable air travel.
DOT Fines JetBlue for Chronic Delays, Passengers to Get $75 Each
The fine will be divided into two parts: half will go to the US Treasury, while the other half will be used to compensate passengers who were affected by the delayed flights. Each eligible passenger will receive at least $75 for the inconvenience caused, Gizmodo said.
While JetBlue acknowledged the issue and reached a settlement with the DOT, it did not admit fault. The airline explained that operational and staffing problems, particularly within the Northeast air traffic control system, contributed to the delays.
However, JetBlue emphasized that it had already invested significant resources to improve its services, which has led to notable improvements in on-time performance in 2024.
Consumer groups welcomed the DOT's action, stressing that airlines need to be held accountable for the delays that disrupt passengers' travel plans. These penalties are part of broader efforts by the current administration to enforce better standards for airline operations.
The Department of Transportation has issued nearly $225 million in fines for similar violations under the Biden administration, highlighting an ongoing push for more reliable and customer-friendly air travel.
This penalty highlights the growing efforts by regulators to ensure that airlines adhere to realistic schedules, with passengers' needs at the forefront. It also sends a message to the airline industry that continued negligence in scheduling practices will not be tolerated.
