Air travelers can breathe a sigh of relief, according to the latest Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) released by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for February 2024.
The report highlights positive trends in flight cancellations and on-time arrival rates, coupled with the DOT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen passenger protections.
Fewer Flight Cancellations and Improved OTP
US passengers experienced significantly fewer cancellations in February 2024 compared to both the previous year and the prior month.
Major airlines saw a mere 0.6% of domestic flights cancelled, a substantial improvement from February 2023’s 1.8% cancellation rate.
On-time performance (OTP) for airlines also saw an overall improvement in February. This positive trend extended to on-time arrival rates, which reached 83.7% in February 2024, exceeding both January 2024 and February 2023 figures.
These improvements suggest a more reliable air travel experience for passengers.
DOT Prioritizes Passenger Protections
Looking beyond these positive trends, the DOT is actively working to enhance passenger experiences through a series of initiatives:
- Automatic Refunds: New regulations require airlines to automatically provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed, eliminating the need for passengers to chase down compensation.
- Reduced Fees: The DOT continues to push for airlines to eliminate surprise fees, a major pain point for many travelers.
This includes advocating for free family seating, allowing passengers to sit with their children without incurring additional charges.
- Improved Accessibility: The DOT is committed to making air travel more accessible for all.
New regulations mandate that lavatories on new, single-aisle aircraft be designed with greater accessibility in mind.
Additionally, proposals are underway to address other accessibility barriers faced by passengers who use wheelchairs, such as enhanced training for airline staff handling wheelchairs and assisting passengers with disabilities.
- Stronger Enforcement: The DOT takes a firm stance against airlines that violate consumer protection regulations.
A record-breaking $140 million penalty was issued against Southwest Airlines in 2023 for passenger disruptions during the holiday season. This penalty, along with additional measures, ensures passenger compensation for significant delays and cancellations.
Collaboration for Passenger Protection
The DOT is further strengthening passenger protections through collaboration. The department recently announced the launch of the bipartisan Airline Passenger Protection Partnership with 18 state attorneys general.
This initiative creates a fast-track system for investigating potential airline misconduct, allowing for swifter intervention and resolution of passenger complaints.
Performance Summary February 2024
Highest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates:
1. Delta Air Lines Network – 88.4%
2. American Airlines Network – 84.1%
3. United Airlines Network – 83.2%
Lowest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates:
1. JetBlue Airways – 74.3%
2. Spirit Airlines – 77.8%
3. Frontier Airlines – 79.8%
Lowest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights:
1. Allegiant Air – 0.1%
2. Frontier Airlines – 0.2%
3. American Airlines Network – 0.3%
Highest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights:
1. JetBlue Airways – 1.4%
2. Hawaiian Airlines – 1.1%
3. Alaska Airlines Network – 1.1%
US Air Travel: A Look Ahead
While the February 2024 ATCR paints a positive picture, challenges remain. The DOT continues to work towards a future where air travel is not only reliable and efficient, but also fair and accessible for all passengers.
By prioritizing passenger protections, fostering collaboration with state authorities, and providing travelers with the information they need, the DOT is paving the way for a smoother and more positive air travel experience.
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