Southwest Airlines was investigated by the FBI with questions about “unfair and deceptive practices” after the vacation flight collapse

The US Department of Transportation has announced an investigation into Southwest Airlines’ planning after last month’s collapse in holiday travel.

The agency checks whether more flights are sold than the airline could realistically operate.

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The department is in the early stages of its full investigation into the late December fiasco.

Part of the investigation is to determine if Southwest engaged in an “unfair and deceptive practice” by offering a schedule that could not be met.

“The DOT will use the full extent of its investigative and enforcement powers to ensure consumers are protected, and that process will evolve as the department learns more,” a spokeswoman told The Wall Street Journal.

The investigation is also designed to ensure the airline is following rules for reimbursement to customers affected by the incident and reimbursement of expenses, the DOT said.

More than 16,700 flights from Dec. 21 to Dec. 31 were canceled by Southwest following a severe winter storm that hit the country before Christmas.

Almost two-thirds of airlines’ flights have been cut for three days as they try to roll them back.

According to Southwest, the airline was busy and ready for the holiday rush, but weather conditions including extreme cold, wind and ice thwarted its operations.

Widespread flight cancellations caused waves of flight plan changes among crew members and overwhelmed the software system Southwest uses to assign pilots and flight attendants after disruptions.

Executives said the airline resorted to lengthy manual processes that made it harder to get back on track.

The airline said it is working with General Electric to create a new version of the system while making other changes.

Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg has criticized airlines in the past, most notably last summer when he called on them to plan more flights than they could operate.

He also pledged to enforce rules on refunds and other measures to hold airlines accountable.