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2007 wasn’t the best year for airline and airport performance. Anyone who took a vacation or a business trip probably picked up on it. There was a lot of waiting, a lot of lines, a lot of frustration, etc. Well, now the DOT has made it official: 2007 was worse than 2006. It was worse for on-time percentages (worst ever, actually), worse for baggage handling, and worse for customer complaints. Keep reading for the latest stats from the BTS (Bureau of Transportation Statistics)… |
From a DOT release:
“According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 20 airlines reporting on-time performance with DOT recorded an on-time arrival rate of 73.4 percent in 2007, down from their 75.4 percent mark in 2006. These carriers recorded a rate of 7.03 reports of mishandled baggage per 1,000 passengers last year, up from 2006’s rate of 6.73. In addition, consumers filed 13,168 complaints about airline service with the Department, 58.2 percent more than the 8,325 filed in 2006.”
So, do you think things will get turned around in 2008? Let me know.
This is ridiculous. And what is more amazing to me is that airlines don’t seem to care. The reason being, although we can choose what airline to fly, we all use them eventually. We all need to fly whether its for business or pleasure, and airlines know this. It doesn’t matter if we swear off Southwest because United and American are just as bad, so eventually we will get frustated and give Southwest another try. And I predict that the airline industry will continue to get worse. What I am interested to find out is how much longer can these airlines use terrorism as an excuse for their poor service.
Comment by Buffy — February 7, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
What do you want? You demand cheap you get cheap. One airline is $5.00 less than an other and you go with the lower price. I hate to break it to you but airlines are a business in business to make as much profit for the shareholders as possible. I would honestly pay an additional $20.00 - $30.00 each way if I could get something in return line a decent meal on a long flight or just an inch more room. Unfortunately we have become a nation of walmart shoppers who demand the lowest, lowest price. Stand by for more airlines that a price for the flight and extra charges for things like a seat, pillow, blanket or pay toilets.
Comment by The Dude — February 8, 2008 @ 12:11 am