DOT complaint data shows passengers are still not happy with airline service

Travelers were marginally happier about airline service in May this year, according to the Department of Transportation. In its latest release of data, the DOT said there was a 15% decline in the number of complaints between April and May, but travelers still reported 200% more issues than they did before the pandemic. According to the DOT, airline service was the biggest issue for passengers, who complained by the thousands about delayed and canceled flights. Mishandled bags, treatment of disabled passengers and discrimination were also issues in May. "The Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) is monitoring airlines' operations to ensure that airlines are not engaging in unrealistic scheduling of flights and are complying with aviation consumer protection requirements," the DOT said. "This includes ensuring consumers receive prompt refunds if they are no longer interested in continuing their travel when their flights are cancelled or significantly changed." In May, the DOT received 4,344 complaints about airline service, down from May but still well above pre-pandemic levels. According to the department, 77.2% of flights arrived on time that month, and 2% of flights were canceled. Hawaiian Airlines and Delta Air Lines were the most on-time carriers in May. Hawaiian also had the fewest cancelations, while Delta had the most. Ultra-low-cost carriers Frontier, Allegiant and Spirit had the most delays in May.<br/>