Delta Air Lines is being slapped with a $750,000 fine by US regulators for bumping passengers from oversold flights without compensating them or seeking volunteers, the second time in four years the Atlanta-based carrier has been punished over the issue.
It was fined $375,000 in July 2009.
“Airline passengers deserve to be treated fairly, especially if they are forced to miss a flight because an airline oversold seats,” US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.
A Delta spokesman said the violations cited “are an isolated situation.” The carrier classified some passengers it bumped as having willingly given up their seats, which undercut their right to compensation, according to a consent order.
Delta will be allowed to spend as much as $425,000 of the fine on improving how it complies with such regulations.