The Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) recently released by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) shows an increase in flights during October 2021 closer to pre-COVID-19 levels while also showing an increase in canceled flights, late arrivals and the mishandling of baggage and wheelchairs.
The report, prepared by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Office, found that 582,759 flights were operated during October 2021, “84.8% of the 686,811 flights operated in pre-pandemic October 2019,” a Jan. 6 DOT press release said. The number is a 56.4% increase from October 2020’s total flights of 372,544.
The report additionally found that flights arriving on time were down to 79.9% in October 2021 as opposed to 92.9% in October 2020, the release said. Flight cancellations were also at 2.1% in October 2021 compared to .7% in October 2020.
The ATCR also found 5.28 checked bags per 1,000 were mishandled in October 2021 as compared to 3.52 per 1,000 the year prior. Wheelchairs and scooters were also mismanaged at a higher rate of 1.36% compared to 1.29% in 2020.
The report also noted zero tarmac delays of more than 3 hours in October 2021 as opposed to 16 the month prior, a quarterly reduction in bumping and oversales and a 23.5% decrease in complaints received since last year, the release said.
ATCR provides monthly updates on consumer aviation services, including the number of flights scheduled, “on-time performance, mishandled baggage, mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, complaints received, and oversales,” the release said.
“The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines,” the release said.
