US airline on time rates drop in December

The on-time performance of airlines in the US dropped sharply in December as compared with the preceding month, but showed a slight improvement over December of 2007, according to new figures released by the Department of Transportation. Carriers blamed heavy snows during the Christmas holiday season and issues with the aviation system for many of the delays experienced.

According to the Transportation Department, domestic flight cancellations were higher during the month than they were in November; and the number of mishandled bags also increased. Complaints about airline service rose in December over the previous month as well.

Compared with December of 2007, the department said that the carriers performed better in all categories, however. From July through October, the airlines had reported improvements in on-time performance, but slipped in both November and December.

As airlines reduced capacity in 2008, there were able to improve on-time performance and baggage handling. Some airlines still struggle, however, as compared to their peers.

Comair, a regional unit of Delta Air Lines, reported the worst on-time performance for the month, and Hawaiian Airlines reported the best performance once again.

www.dot.gov