Southwest Gives Flight 1380 Passengers $5K Checks, $1K Vouchers

PHILADELPHIA – Southwest Airlines flight 1380 seemed to be ill-fated very early in its trip from New York City to Dallas on Tuesday, April 17. The left engine blew mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing at the Philadelphia International Airport.

With one person killed, several others on the flight injured, and passengers stranded in Philadelphia after the harrowing incident in which a window broke and depressurized the plane cabin, Southwest is offering an apology. And financial reparations.

The airline has issued an apology letter to passengers, as well as a $5,000 check and a $1,000 travel voucher.

"We value you as our Customer and hope you will allow us another opportunity to restore your confidence in Southwest as the airline you can count on for your travel needs," the letter reads. "In this spirit, we are sending you a check in the amount of $5,000 to cover any of your immediate financial needs. As a tangible gesture of our heartfelt sincerity, we are also sending you a $1,000 travel voucher (in a separate e-mail), which can be used for future travel."

Action News reports Southwest said the "communication and gesture are authentic and heartfelt."

Flight 1380 experienced engine failure early in its journey. Capt. Tammi Jo Shults, a former Navy fighter pilot now being hailed as a hero, safely landed the plane after the engine went out.

A piece of shrapnel from the engine pierced one of the jet's windows, breaking it. The cabin then depressurized and nearly sucked a woman, 43-year-old Jennifer Riordan of New Mexico, out. Riordan died Tuesday from blunt force trauma to the head, neck, and torso, according to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's office.

Seven other passengers were treated for minor injuries but did not need hospitalization.

Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images