WASHINGTON, April 29 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines ( LUV )

has launched a delay compensation program as part of a

$140 million Transportation Department settlement over the

airline's December 2022 holiday meltdown.

Southwest ( LUV ) in December 2023 agreed over three years to

provide $90 million in travel vouchers of $75 or more to

passengers delayed at least three hours getting to final

destinations because of an airline-caused issue or cancellation

and to start the program by April 30. The airline said Monday it

quietly launched the program on April 16 and has already heard

from a few thousand customers seeking vouchers.