The lawsuit alleges Southwest illegally operated chronically delayed flights and disrupted passengers' travel plans.

The DOT filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, citing a pattern of chronic delays, as the government pushes for stricter accountability.

While the initial fine was $325,000, the DOT warned that if Frontier Airlines continues to chronically delay flights, the penalty will double.

Southwest Airlines is being sued and Frontier Airlines fined over chronic flight delays by the Department of Transportation, the DOT announced Wednesday. Why it matters: Wednesday's announcement by the outgoing Biden administration's Transportation Secretary,

The lawsuit filed in California alleges that Southwest illegally operated chronically delayed flights and disrupted passengers’ travel plans.