Passengers received a much-needed boost from the U.S. airline industry in 2023: the lowest number of flight cancellations in at least a decade, in addition to enhanced consumer protections.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg remarked, "Millions of travelers were able to fly safely and without incident last year due to the tireless efforts of our nation's aviation safety professionals.
We are glad to see this 10-year low rate of cancellations, and our Department will continue to take every step to ensure air travel is smooth and safe for passengers in the new year.
The cancellation rate for the 16.3 million flights that occurred in 2023 was less than 1.2 percent, the lowest level in a decade.
Concurrently, the Transportation Security Administration predicts that 2024 will be an even busier year than 2023, which was the busiest year ever for air travel.
Furthermore, the report highlights that the Department of Transportation (DOT) levied the most substantial fines in the annals of its consumer protection office in 2023.
These fines represented substantial financial penalties and facilitated the reimbursement of travelers for more than $3 billion since the outbreak's inception.
The Positive Developments Passengers in the Nashville International Airport Baggage Claim Area Baggage claim area patrons at Nashville International Airport.
Unexpected to the surprise of the majority of passengers, ten of the largest U.S. airlines have now pledged to provide meal guarantees and complimentary rebookings on the same airline, according to the report.