Buttigieg Warns Airlines Will Be Held Accountable For Disruption

The Biden administration Tuesday warned airlines to prepare for a busy holiday travel season over the next two weeks, threatening fines for companies that fall down on the job.

“These steps are designed to send a message to the airline sector that if you fail to take care of passengers, our department will hold you accountable,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Tuesday.

The Transportation Department announced Monday that it fined Southwest Airlines Co $140 million for violating consumer protection laws, almost a year after late December disruption canceled about 16,900 flights. Last year’s travel ...