Travel Tips

Travel Tip: 2012 Airline Stats

It may seem impossible, but there’s actually some good news in the airline industry: U.S. airlines scored record marks in the first half of 2012, according to the Department of Transportation. Here’s what it all means.

Every month, the airlines submit reports to the DOT that track their on-time performance, complaints, luggage incidents, and other data. Between January and June 2012, the 15 largest airlines in the U.S. posted an 83.7 percent on-time arrival. That’s the highest arrival score since the DOT began tracking this data 18 years ago!

The last time the airlines scored so well was in 2003.

The cancellation rate was at a record low, at 1.1 percent. There were only four tarmac delays longer than 3 hours on domestic flights. And the rate of lost, delayed or damaged bags was at its lowest ever.

But do you know what hasn’t improved? The number of passengers who got bumped from flights—both voluntary and involuntary.

And here’s something interesting. Despite the better performance overall, the number of consumer complaints has also gone up!

Most people are complaining about flight cancellations, delays and misconnections, as well as baggage issues.

Bottom line: Things may be getting better, but the airlines still have a ways to go before they get it right.

For more information, visit the Airline archives.

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