Southwest fined $200K for bumping passengers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Southwest Airlines has been fined $200,000 for violating rules on bumping passengers from oversold flights.

The Transportation Department said today that it reviewed passenger complaints and found many cases of improper bumping.

Airlines are allowed to sell more seats than they have because some passengers don't show up.

Federal rules require airlines to ask for volunteers first, then begin to bump passengers who bought tickets. Most passengers bumped from flights are entitled to up to $800 in cash.