SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — Southwest Airlines is facing a class action over its cancellation of more than 15,000 flights that alleges the airline failed to correct known software issues.
Paula Hill and Eva Pina, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, filed a complaint March 6 in San Diego Superior Court against Southwest Airlines, alleging breach of contract and other claims.
The plaintiffs allege in their complaint that they purchased Southwest Airline tickets for a flight between California airports between Dec. 22, 2022, to Jan. 3, 2023, and that their flight times were disrupted. They claim Southwest failed to maintain proper software and computer systems to track reservations and administer proper flight information.
The plaintiffs further claim Southwest knew that it had made reservations "beyond its ability to serve customers" and did not notify customers in order to have a "financial advantage" over its customers to retain customer purchase funds. Hill alleges due to Southwest's actions, she was not able to spend the holidays with her family and that Southwest's wrongful conduct forced her to find alternative means of travel, including having to drive eight hours to her destination.
They claim Southwest had been warned of its software issues ,which caused more than 15,000 flights to be canceled and admitted its needed system upgrades.
The plaintiffs and the class seek monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Maria Severson, Michael Aguirre and Elija Gaglio of Aguirre & Severson LLP in San Diego.
Southwest removed the case to federal court April 7.