Ex-Southwest Airlines worker ‘printed $79k of vouchers’ using names of other passengers in ‘spree that lasted weeks’
A FORMER Southwest Airlines employee has been accused of printing $79,000 worth of travel vouchers and using them for personal gain.
According to court documents obtained by FOX News, the travel agent, identified as Brooklyn Jones, managed to swipe the funds between August 2023 and September 2023.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office stated that Jones used previous passengers’ names before redeeming them for himself.
According to the complaint, Southwest first noticed the discrepancy when officers conducted an internal investigation.
Jones was charged with theft shortly after the investigation was handed over to law enforcement.
Court documents further state that, after being arrested, Jones issued a full statement confessing the allegations as well as relinquishing the unused vouchers.
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The documents also claim that Jones led law enforcement officers to his employee locker where he produced 119 vouchers worth about $36,300.
Jones allegedly reported that he acted alone in the scheme and even sold the vouchers on four separate occasions, according to court documents.
Despite confessing to the crime, Jones pleaded not guilty to Felony theft on Thursday.
Southwest did not immediately respond to the U.S. Sun's request for comment.
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The news of the alleged theft comes as several passengers have expressed outrage that the iconic airline raised its fees from $25 to $99.
According to the airline, the rise is due to customer demand.
"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 said.
The 300 percent increase comes after Southwest CEO Bob Jordan had teased some changes earlier this year.
According to Jordan, Southwest is attempting to make up for the $231 million it lost over the first three months of 2024.
Southwest bosses later added more fuel to the fire when they axed flights to four US airports and laid off 2,000 workers.
This price range increase is a result of our regular evaluation of pricing for ancillary products based on market trends and customer demand"
Southwest Spokesperson
"We're looking into new initiatives - things like the way we seat and board our aircraft," Jordan said in an interview with CNBC.
Southwest, which is known for its free checked baggage, might also be looking into raising several other fees to recoup its 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 told USA Today.
The airline has also taken to rising upgrade fees.
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The service ranges from $30 to $149 per segment per traveler, up from a maximum of $80 previously.
The changes will have the most impact on group travelers, as Southwest offers no discounts offered for multiple passengers.
