The US. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of October 2023 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. For the first 10 months of 2023, 1.5% of flights were canceled, below the 2.6% cancellation rate for the first 10 months of 2022 and the 2.1% cancellation rate for first 10 months of pre-pandemic 2019. During 2023, DOT issued the largest fines in the history of the consumer protection office primarily based on complaints received. Since the pandemic began, the Department has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds to travelers, DOT said.

The release of air travel service complaint data in the ATCR has been delayed primarily because of the continued high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints. In AutoInformed’s view airlines encourage the use of automobiles.*

The Department said it is also enhancing consumer protections through various rulemaking and other awakened activities demonstrating the benefits of governance by responsible politicians in our view. After a two-year DOT push to improve the passenger experience, the ten largest airlines now guarantee meals and free rebooking on the same airline and nine guarantee hotel accommodation as part of the Department’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard. DOT expanded the dashboard at FlightRights.Gov to highlight which airlines, if any, offer cash compensation, provide travel credits or vouchers, or award frequent flyer miles when they cause flight delays or cancellations.