US DOT Releases July 2024 Air Travel Consumer Report

The U.S. DOT has released its Air Travel Consumer Report for July, showing a year-on-year increase in flight operations and slight rise in cancellations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) for July 2024, providing valuable insights into airline performance.

This report focuses on flight cancellations, on-time arrival rates, and tarmac delays, assisting US travelers to make informed choices.

July 2024 On-Time Arrival

In July 2024, reporting marketing carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 68.4%, down from 74.3% in June 2024 and 69.6% in July 2023. The year-to-date on-time arrival rate for 2024 is 75.6%.

Highest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates July

Hawaiian Airlines – 84.1%
Alaska Airlines Network – 76.4%
Southwest Airlines – 70.6%

Lowest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates July

Spirit Airlines – 61.1%
Frontier Airlines – 61.8%
American Airlines Network – 65.7%

Flight Cancellations

While the overall cancellation rate in July 2024 (2.9%) remained slightly higher than the year-to-date average (1.7%), it’s encouraging to see a decrease compared to July 2023 (2.5%).

What Happens When Flights are Cancelled?

The DOT emphasizes airline accountability for cancellations and delays within their control. This translates to passenger-friendly policies, with the 10 largest U.S. airlines guaranteeing meals, free rebooking, and (in some cases) hotel accommodations for such situations.

Tarmac Delays

The report highlights the number of tarmac delays exceeding three hours. While slightly higher compared to June 2024 for domestic flights, it’s important to remember that regulations exist to limit these delays.

Airlines are obligated to deplane passengers after three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights, barring safety, security, or air traffic control concerns.

The DOT actively investigates extended tarmac delays, ensuring passenger rights are protected. This report serves as a valuable tool for travelers, allowing them to compare airline performance and make informed decisions.

Family-Friendly Travel

The DOT has also championed family seating, encouraging airlines to offer it without additional fees. While not all airlines have adopted this policy yet, four carriers have committed to fee-free family seating. Travelers can find this information, along with details on airline customer service commitments, on the helpful FlightRights.Gov dashboard.

Additional Considerations & Tips

Travelers can anticipate the DOT’s continued efforts to improve the air travel experience. By staying informed and utilizing resources like the ATCR and FlightRights.Gov, you can navigate the skies with greater confidence.

Weather-Related Delays: While the report focuses on airline-controlled factors, it’s important to note that weather can significantly impact flight operations. Adverse weather conditions can lead to cancellations, delays, and disruptions.
Emerging Trends: The aviation industry is constantly evolving. Keep an eye out for emerging trends, such as sustainable aviation fuels and technological advancements that could impact your future travel experiences.
Consumer Advocacy: If you encounter issues during your travels, don’t hesitate to file a complaint with the DOT. Your feedback helps shape the industry and ensures that airlines are held accountable.