Air journey received extra depressing final 12 months, if the variety of client complaints filed with the US authorities is any measure.
The Transportation Division mentioned Friday that it acquired almost 97,000 complaints in 2023, up from about 86,000 the 12 months earlier than.
The division mentioned there have been so many complaints that it took till July to type via the filings and compile the figures.
The Transportation Division mentioned Friday that it acquired almost 97,000 complaints in 2023, up from about 86,000 the 12 months earlier than. Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
That’s the very best variety of client complaints about airways since 2020, when airways have been gradual to offer prospects refunds after the coronavirus pandemic shut down air journey.
The rise in complaints got here at the same time as airways canceled far fewer US flights — 116,700, or 1.2% of the full, final 12 months, in contrast with about 210,500, or 2.3%, in 2022, in response to FlightAware knowledge.
Nonetheless, delays remained stubbornly excessive final 12 months, at round 21% of all flights.
To this point this 12 months, cancellations stay comparatively low — about 1.3% of all flights — however delays are nonetheless working round 21%.
Greater than two-thirds of all complaints final 12 months handled US airways, however 1 / 4 lined overseas airways.
Getty Photos
Many of the relaxation have been about journey brokers and tour operators.
Complaints about treating passengers with disabilities rose by greater than one-fourth in contrast with 2022. Complaints of discrimination, whereas small in quantity, additionally rose sharply.
Most have been about race or nationwide origin.
Greater than two-thirds of all complaints final 12 months handled US airways, however 1 / 4 lined overseas airways. Getty Photos
Complaints about treating passengers with disabilities rose by greater than one-fourth in contrast with 2022. Complaints of discrimination, whereas small in quantity, additionally rose sharply. Getty Photos
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The Transportation Division mentioned the rise in complaints was partly the results of extra shoppers figuring out about their rights and the flexibility to file a criticism.
The division mentioned it helped Southwest Airways prospects get greater than $600 million in refunds and reimbursements after the provider canceled almost 17,000 flights throughout December 2022.
Southwest additionally paid a $35 million positive.
Airways obtain many extra complaints from vacationers who don’t know the way or don’t trouble to complain to the federal government, however the carriers don’t launch these numbers.
The division mentioned it helped Southwest Airways prospects get greater than $600 million in refunds and reimbursements after the provider canceled almost 17,000 flights throughout December 2022. Getty Photos
The Transportation Division is modernizing its complaint-taking system, which the company says will assist it do a greater job overseeing the airline trade.
Nonetheless, the division now releases criticism numbers many months late. It didn’t concern figures for the second half of 2023 till Friday.