The federal government hit AirTran Airways with a fine of up to $30,000 for inconsistently displaying flight delay data on its website.
The U.S. Department of Transportation since last year has required large airlines to display domestic flight delay data on their websites. Violating the requirement amounts to an unfair and deceptive practice.
The agency said in a consent order this week that its review of Orlando-based AirTran's website showed on-time data were not displayed "for a short period."
The airline said the problem was the result of a server failure last December and again in January.
AirTran spokesman Christopher White said the company has fixed the issue and intends to pay the fine. The airline is due to pay $15,000 within 30 days, and if it violates the cease and desist order in the next year, it will owe another $15,000.
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