Quantcast

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

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
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

FedEx Express and UPS Airlines are two of the largest cargo carriers in the world, with both companies operating extensive fleets and moving significant volumes of freight globally.

Oct 25, 2025

The Dubai Airshow, the largest event of its kind in the region, is set to return in 2025 with more than 200 aircraft expected to be on display.

Oct 25, 2025

LOT Polish Airlines has announced a new route from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Almaty, Kazakhstan, set to begin on May 31 next year.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada has announced the launch of its fifth transatlantic route operated by the Airbus A321XLR, connecting Montreal to Porto.

Oct 25, 2025

London Heathrow Airport continues to be a central hub for global air travel in 2025, offering some of the world’s longest nonstop routes that connect the United Kingdom to destinations across every inhabited continent.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines has introduced a new high-premium configuration for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet.

Oct 25, 2025