There are so many reasons why is Southwest cancelling flights. The passengers face so many obstacles and confusion due to cancelled flights. Some might miss the connecting flight or miss a great opportunity. Most of the time flights are cancelled due to bad weather and airlines have to follow some safety protocols. In this blog, we will discuss why the Southwest flight is cancelled.
Key Reasons Behind the Southwest Cancelling Flights
Let’s see what are the reasons why is Southwest cancelling flights today –
Weather Conditions
By far one of the prominent causes for cancellations of airlines is due to terrific weather conditions. Such conditions include like; thunderstorms, heavy snowfalls, which covered the runway during one of our flights; high winds, etc Since these conditions impact the take-off of the flights, other flights that were scheduled to arrive at the airport are also delayed. This has a domino effect on the other connections in the whole airline’s connection map.
Operational Challenges
Shortage of staff at the airport, mechanical problems, etc are some of the most common operational issues. Therefore, maintaining over 700 aircraft is a little tricky and requires a top-notch schedule. Hence, any unexpected issues can result in delays in flights.
Air Traffic Control Delays
Air traffic control commonly referred to as ATC is in the central position for ensuring that every movement of the aircraft follows the standardized procedures. Nonetheless, any ATC problems like equipment failures, lack of human resources, or traffic problems can result in a flight delay or cancellation. This has implications for the likes of Southwest Airlines since on certain days that ATC is overworked or is encountering certain operational issues it may have to cancel flights to avoid compromising on safety.
Crew Availability
When airlines face a shortage of flight attendants, pilots, and ground staff, they cancel or delay the flight. The airlines are dependent on their staff because they operate the entire process from taking off to landing. This might happen because the flight attendants have to take proper rest before they take up their duty. This is a legal rule monitored by the government. If Southwest Airlines faces any issues, this factor may lead to cancellation.
Technology and Systems Outages
Today’s airline business almost fully depends on complex computer programs in many functional areas such as booking, scheduling, tracking, and customer care services. Evaluations of coordinates or other normal functions may be disrupted by a technical mishap or system shutdown. In recent years, airlines have increasingly experienced problems from cyber security threats and other issues that affect the power of IT systems that would for some time halt operations.
What should you do in this situation?
When your flight is cancelled, then you should be acquainted with the steps, Southwest Airlines cancellation policy and more. Having the knowledge of doing what to do in this situation may help you save your precious time.
Check for flight status and notifications
Check the flight status via Southwest Airlines mobile app, website, and notifications. This will help you to stay updated with the flight. Make sure to keep your contact number or email address updated as the notifications for the cancellation might be sent to your phone.
Rebook another flight
Mostly Southwest Airlines rebooks passengers on the next flight available when your flight gets cancelled. You can also choose a new flight from the website, app or by contacting their customer support. No extra charge is included with the booking of the flight. For assistance, you can contact the Southwest Airlines flights customer service who will assist you with the rebooking process.
Request Refund or Travel Credit
You can request Southwest Airlines to give you a travel credit or refund your flight fare. However, it depends on the type of ticket that one had bought whether it will get a refund only or a travel credit.
When it comes to tickets, they can come with refund options or without them, also called refundable and non-refundable accordingly. If you have purchased a refundable ticket, then you are entitled to be given a refund. The refundable amount will be credited back to the original form of payment used when making the payment. Concerning non-refundable tickets you can receive travel credit, with which you can continue your journey later.
Consider Alternate Transportation
Choose alternative flight options like booking flights with other airlines. You can purchase a new flight ticket but Southwest Airlines won’t pay for you. You can also choose a car, bus, or train if the distance is less.
Stay Updated and Connected
Check your email, phone, and airline website for the update. Contact Soutwest Airlines customer service for any assistance. The representative will help you with refunds, travel credits, and more.
Understand Your Right
Know your rights as a passenger when your flight is cancelled. This will help you to get your refund and more.
File a Complaint or Feedback
Submit your feedback if the airline hasn’t responded to your situation swiftly. File your complaint at the Soutwest customer service website or channels.
Conclusion
The number of flights the airline cancels today depends on several factors, such as weather, operating difficulties, air traffic control measures, crew availability, as well as perhaps technical problems. Nevertheless, it is possible to bear in mind that the occurring disruptions have certain causes that will certainly help the passengers manage the situation better.
Other Cancelling airline Releted Article:
Alaska Airlines Cancellation Policy
