The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has sanctioned Silver Airways (3M, Fort Lauderdale International) for failing to issue refunds to customers making purchases with their credit cards over the period 2014 to 2015.

The DOT noted that although only a limited number of consumers were affected, the carrier failed to issue refunds to those making purchases by credit card within the seven business day limitation outlined in its regulations.

“Although the effect on consumers was limited, during the relevant period Silver Airways failed to dedicate the appropriate resources necessary to determine when a refund was due and to process the refunds in a timely manner," the DOT said.

In order to avoid litigation, and without admitting or denying the violations described above, the DOT says Silver Airways has consented to the issuance of a cease-and-desist order and to the payment of a USD25,000 civil penalty.

The DOT believes the penalty will strongly deter the Floridian regional operator from undertaking similar practices in future.