Tips for smooth travels as record number of Americans expected to fly this year

(InvestigateTV) — In its February 2024 Air Travel Consumer Report, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that 83.8% of all flights arrived on time, fewer passengers were bumped and less bags were lost.

Teresa Murray with the U.S. Public Interest Group (PIRG) said airline performance has been improving.

“Things are better now, and they were better in 2023 than they were in the year before so that’s great news,” Murray said. “Cancelations have improved significantly but if you’re on one of the tens of thousands of flights that’s canceled or delayed, then it’s still a problem for you!”

She said the DOT has been pushing for the airlines to be more accountable for issues.

“In part through pressure, all of the top ten airlines will give you free rebooking on their own airline and then free meals,” Murray explained. “And then nine out of the ten will provide free hotels if you’re stranded overnight because of a cancelation or a delay that is within the control of that airline.”

But Murray says bumping people, whether by choice or not, is still a big problem for airlines.

She said last year 26,000 people were bumped involuntarily and 307,000 were bumped voluntarily.

To avoid being bumped, Murray said passengers should get to the airport early. Since some airlines bump by check-in time, those who arrive early are less likely to be impacted.

“It does seem to matter with bumping still, you know, it’s a big problem. And I mean, if you don’t want to be bumped and you get bumped involuntarily, then you’re ticked off and it does seem to matter when you get there,” Murray observed. “So, we still recommend that people get there, you know, go through security then. Then the airline knows that you’re there.”

She shared several other tips for smooth airline travel:

• Download the airline’s app at least a few days ahead of time for real-time notifications
• Consider putting a tracker in your checked bag
• Be aware of passenger rights, just in case a flight is canceled, or a bag is lost

Murray also noted that passengers should be aware under consumer laws, they have fewer recourse options when booking through a third-party as opposed to booking directly with an airline.

If someone has problems during their trip, they can file a consumer complaint with the DOT.

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