Scheme Lasted Weeks, Involved Printing Vouchers in Passenger Names
A former Southwest Airlines employee has been charged with printing $79,000 worth of travel vouchers using the names of unsuspecting passengers, a spree that allegedly lasted several weeks.
Brooklyn Jones, the accused, reportedly managed to execute this scheme between August 2023 and September 2023, according to court documents obtained by FOX News. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office revealed that Jones used the names of previous passengers to generate and redeem the vouchers for personal gain.
Internal investigation unveils discrepancy
Southwest Airlines first noticed the irregularities during an internal investigation, which subsequently led to the involvement of law enforcement. Jones was charged with theft shortly after the investigation findings were handed over to authorities.
Confession and discovery of unused vouchers
Upon his arrest, Jones reportedly issued a full statement confessing to the allegations. He also relinquished the remaining unused vouchers. Court documents further state that Jones led law enforcement officers to his employee locker, where he produced 119 vouchers worth approximately $36,300.
Jones claimed he acted alone in the scheme and admitted to selling the vouchers on four different occasions, as per court records. Despite his confession, Jones pleaded not guilty to felony theft charges on Thursday.
Southwest Airlines under fire amid fee hike
Southwest Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The news of the alleged theft comes as the airline faces backlash from passengers over a recent fee hike. The iconic airline raised its fees from $25 to $99, citing customer demand as the reason for the 300 percent increase.
“This price range increase is a result of our regular evaluation of pricing for ancillary products based on market trends and customer demand and will generate incremental revenue in support of the company,” the airline stated.
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan had hinted at several changes earlier this year, attempting to offset the $231 million loss reported over the first three months of 2024. Jordan noted that the airline is exploring new initiatives, including changes to seating and boarding procedures.
Operational changes and job cuts
In addition to the fee hikes, Southwest recently axed flights to four U.S. airports and laid off 2,000 workers. “We’re looking into new initiatives – things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan said in an interview with CNBC.
The airline, known for its free checked baggage policy, is also considering further fee increases to recoup lost profits. “This price range increase is a result of our regular evaluation of pricing for ancillary products based on market trends and customer demand and will generate incremental revenue in support of the company,” a Southwest spokesperson reiterated to USA Today.
Impact on group travelers
Southwest has also raised its upgrade fees, which now range from $30 to $149 per segment per traveler, up from a previous maximum of $80. These changes are expected to significantly impact group travelers, as no discounts are offered for multiple passengers.
The case against Brooklyn Jones continues, with further court proceedings expected in the coming weeks. The airline’s fee increases and operational changes remain contentious issues among its loyal customer base.