US lawmakers are beginning to push for stronger consumer protections as a result of Southwest Airlines' performance over the holiday period when bad weather triggered significant operational failures. The Texan low-cost carrier has pencilled in fourth quarter losses of up to US $825 million in pre-tax income following its disastrous meltdown which resulted in the cancellation of 16,700 flights over Christmas and New Year. The losses, including a US $425 million bill for missed revenue and costs in reimbursing people for alternative travel, will likely generate a net loss for 2022's final quarter, completely reversing earlier forecasts of strong profits and margins. Southwest said it expected continued financial fallout for the operational fiasco as travellers start to cash in vouchers and points - which are not recorded as costs until redeemed.
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