New data from the Department of Transportation (DOT) offers some good news for travelers. The DOT reports that flight cancellations hit historic lows in the first half of 2024, even with a record number of flights in the air. According to their findings, only 1.4 percent of flights were canceled in the first six months, the lowest rate in over a decade.
To put this in perspective, nearly 3 percent of flights were canceled in 2022, and 1.4 percent in 2023. This improvement highlights significant progress in the aviation sector. “This year’s unprecedented air travel numbers are a positive sign for our economy as more Americans are flying than ever before,” noted United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. He credited the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to modernize airports and enhance passenger protections for contributing to this smoother travel experience.
In addition to these improvements, the DOT has implemented new rules to aid travelers, such as ensuring refunds for canceled flights. They have also launched a dashboard to inform passengers of their rights while flying, aiming to increase transparency and passenger awareness.
Travel + Leisure previously highlighted that Frontier Airlines had the highest number of canceled flights in 2023, followed by JetBlue and Spirit Airlines. Despite the decline in cancellations, it’s important to note that only 78 percent of flights operated on time between January and March 2024. Sometimes, airlines may delay flights for several hours before canceling them, which can still disrupt travel plans.
Travel experts suggest using an airline’s app or website to explore rebooking options if your flight is delayed or canceled. Many airlines have begun automatically rebooking passengers on the next available flight. For instance, United Airlines has updated their app to provide rebooking information, making the process easier for travelers. This proactive approach by airlines is part of a broader effort to minimize disruptions and improve customer satisfaction.
