Flight Delays Reach 13-Year High

The largest airlines in the U.S. reported lower rates of on-time flights and higher rates of mishandled baggage and canceled flights in June 2007, compared to both May 2007 and the previous June, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The New York Times reports that airline delays have reached a 13 year high. Highlights from the DOT Press Release released on Monday:

• 20 carriers reported an overall on-time arrival rate of 68.1 percent in June 2007 (down from both June 2006's 72.8 percent and May 2007's 77.9 percent)
• The carriers also posted a mishandled baggage rate of 7.92 reports per 1,000 passengers in June (higher than both June 2006's 6.30 rate and May 2007's 5.93 mark)
• In June, DOT received 1,094 consumer complaints about airline service (up 43.4 percent from the 763 complaints received in June 2006, and 17.8 percent more than the total of 929 filed in May 2007)

Hawaiian Airlines had the highest on-time arrival rate for June 2007, and American Eagle Airlines had the lowest on-time arrival rate.

• DOT Press Release: Airline On-Time Performance Slips
• NY Times: Airline Delays Reach a 13-Year High
• Air Travel FAQ (FindLaw)
• Air Travel: Carry-On Items and Luggage (FindLaw)