Quantcast

Southwest apologizes after blind passengers left behind during New Orleans flight delay

Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Southwest apologizes after blind passengers left behind during New Orleans flight delay
Policy
Webp jordan
Robert Jordan CEO at Southwest Airlines | Official Website

Two blind passengers, Camille Tate and Sherri Brun, were left behind by a Southwest Airlines flight in New Orleans after a gate change went uncommunicated during a lengthy delay. The incident occurred on July 14, 2025, when the women were scheduled to fly from Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on flight WN 2637. Their original flight was delayed by nearly five hours for undisclosed reasons.

During the delay, most passengers were rebooked onto another flight departing from a nearby gate. However, Tate and Brun were not informed of this option and missed their connection. According to reports, they later traveled alone on an alternative flight arranged by Southwest Airlines.

A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines told FOX 35 Orlando: “We apologize for the inconvenience. Southwest is always looking for ways to improve our Customers’ travel experiences, and we’re active in the airline industry in sharing best practices about how to best accommodate Passengers with disabilities.”

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The experience prompted both women to speak out about accessibility issues faced by travelers with disabilities. Sherri Brun told FOX 35 that improvements are needed in how airlines communicate with passengers who require special assistance: “there needs to be some improvement in how they communicate with their passengers, especially those that have disabilities.”

The incident highlights broader concerns within the airline industry regarding support for travelers with disabilities. In late 2024, the United States Department of Transportation fined American Airlines $50 million after finding multiple violations related to mobility-impaired passengers between 2019 and 2023. The investigation revealed unsafe physical assistance and repeated failures in providing timely wheelchair support (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-fines-american-airlines-4-million-violating-tarmac-delay-rule).

Legal action has also been taken against airlines over accessibility issues. Earlier this week, Illinois resident Kelsey Brickl filed a lawsuit against American Airlines seeking up to $216,000 following an incident where an online check-in glitch restricted access for disabled travelers at Paris airport. Brickl relies on a powered wheelchair due to severe cardiac and neuromuscular impairments and claims that American Airlines failed its legal obligation to maintain accessible online services.

Southwest Airlines operates as a low-cost carrier based in the United States with major hubs including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Dallas Love Field, Denver International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Houston Hobby Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Midway International Airport, Oakland International Airport, Orlando International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Robert Jordan serves as CEO of Southwest Airlines.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates Airline hosted members of UAE Team Emirates XRG at its Group Headquarters, marking the team's successful season in international cycling.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon has announced that its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino recognized its September High Flyers for their outstanding commitment to the company's 16 Leadership Principles.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon announced that employees at its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino participated in the 2025 Pink on Parade for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Oct 28, 2025

The ShebaMiles loyalty program, operated by Ethiopian Airlines for over 26 years, has more than 5.38 million members and offers four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Oct 28, 2025

Long Beach Airport has entered into a 30-year lease agreement with JetZero, Inc., a company focused on next-generation aircraft design.

Oct 28, 2025

Passengers planning summer travel for 2026 can now book flights with Lufthansa Group Airlines, which has released its schedule featuring new destinations and increased frequencies.

Oct 28, 2025