Airline On-Time Performance Improves in 2010

The on-time performance of the nation's largest airlines improved in 2010 compared to the previous year, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), shows that the 18 largest carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 79.8 percent for January through December 2010, an improvement on 2009's 79.5 percent on-time arrival rate. During December 2010, these carriers posted an on-time performance rate of 72.0 percent, equal to the 72.0 percent on-time rate recorded in December 2009, but down from November 2010's 83.2 percent rate.

The monthly report also includes data on chronically delayed flights, lengthy tarmac delays, flight cancellations, and the causes of flight delays filed with the Department by the reporting carriers. In addition, the report contains information on airline bumping, reports of mishandled baggage filed by consumers with the carriers, and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection Division.

A news release on the report is available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/dot1711.html. The full report is available at http://airconsumer.dot.gov/reports/index.htm. Detailed information on flight delays is available at http://www.bts.gov.