Southwest Airlines

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines plans to reintroduce in-flight alcohol sales next week for the first time in nearly two years despite concerns over the high number of incidents involving unruly passengers.

Airlines say staffing shortages and winter weather are contributing to cancellations.

The Federal Aviation Administration levied 10 fines yesterday for alleged unruly behavior. Of those, three incidents occurred on American Airlines flights and three on Southwest Airlines. Despite a general decline since January, the FAA is reporting a still-high rate unruly passengers.

The airline said it will address the situation with the pilot and that it doesn't condone employees sharing personal political opinions while working or tolerate behavior that leads to divisiveness.

No one is really cheering on a guy named Brandon. Instead, the phrase is being used in conservative circles in place of a more vulgar message directed at President Biden.

Southwest Airlines will let unvaccinated employees keep working past early December instead of putting them on unpaid leave if they apply for an exemption on medical or religious grounds.

Southwest is one of several airlines starting to require COVID-19 vaccinations for employees to comply with federal rules.

Southwest Airlines canceled hundreds more flights Monday following a weekend of major service disruptions. According to Flightaware, the carrier has cancelled 348 flights Monday and delayed another 303 flights.

Southwest Airlines President Tom Nealon, who was once seen as a leading candidate for CEO but was passed over this year, has retired.

Pilot unions of both major North Texas-based carriers say the companies haven't adequately managed pilots' schedules, let alone pandemic recovery. So they may picket to press home their point.

Southwest said Thursday it will cut its September schedule by 27 flights a day, or less than 1%, and chop 162 flights a day, or 4.5% of the schedule, from early October through Nov. 5.

Federal officials are extending until Jan. 18 a requirement that people on airline flights and public transportation wear face masks, a rule intended to limit the spread of COVID-19.