Southwest promo backfires; bills customers multiple times

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- Southwest Airlines has begun sending refunds after a computer glitch resulted in countless passengers being billed multiple times for a single flight.

Arlene Hogan from Rancho Cucamonga just wanted an inexpensive flight from Ontario to Dallas, but that cheap fare got very expensive when she tried to take advantage of a Southwest deal.

On Friday, the airline had a special fare sale to mark reaching 3 million Facebook fans, offering a 50 percent discount on certain fares.

Tens of thousands of people wanted to take advantage of the deal, but a computer glitch resulted in credit and debit cards being charged multiple times. Southwest's Facebook page was flooded with complaints.

"My funds are all gone and everything was going to bounce," said Anabel Jensen.

Hogan said she was charged 43 times, resulting in a charge of $5,460.60.

"I was flabbergasted. I couldn't believe it," she said.

Southwest says it has brought in extra workers to deal with the problem, and said on its website that customers who have received overdraft fees would be reimbursed.

Hogan said she has already received her money back from Southwest Airlines.

Get more National News »

technology, airline, facebook, national news, carlos granda

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•