Big Airline Problems: If you’ll be flying this summer, you’re not alone — but you’ll want to be ready. Airline grievances in the United States reached an all-time high in 2024, and passengers had more issues than ever. From extended tarmac waits and canceled flights to lost bags, it’s been a tense year for air travel. A recent report by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) lays out what’s not working — and how you can defend yourself.

Big Airline Problems: Here is the easy rundown of the largest airline problems and some useful tips before you fly.

1. Record Number of Passenger Complaints
   During 2024, travelers made 66,675 complaints to the Department of Transportation — 9% more than 2023. These weren’t trivial complaints. Most individuals complained about serious travel issues such as delays, bad customer service, or security issues. The majority of travelers only contacted the DOT after not receiving assistance from the airline directly.

Big Airline Problems, more people are complaining because they are aware of their rights. If your flight is delayed or canceled by an airline, you’re usually entitled to compensation or a refund — and passengers are becoming wise to claiming it when things turn sour.

2. More Flight Delays and Cancellations
   In 2024, just 77.9% of flights actually landed on time — a drop from 78.2% in 2023. Flight cancellations also ticked up, from 1.28% to 1.36%. That may sound tiny, but it translates into thousands more canceled flights, resulting in missed connections, forfeited hotel nights, and a great deal of inconvenience for travelers.

To steer clear of trouble, big Airline Problems book nonstop flights, take early-morning flights, and leave a day early if you have big plans.

3. Lost and Damaged Bags
   Over 2.7 million checked bags were reported mishandled during 2024. That totals more than 11,000 lost or broken wheelchairs and scooters. That’s a lot of people showing up at their destination sans belongings.

To safeguard yourself, carry valuables in your carry-on and place a tracking device such as an AirTag in your bag. Then you can track your bag — even if the airline can’t.

4. Record High Tarmac Delays
   There were 437 three-hour or longer tarmac delays in 2024 — a record high for more than a decade. That’s a long time to remain on a plane with no permission to exit. It is illegal for airlines to do this, but fines to the airlines don’t help passengers trapped in their seats.

In order to prevent being stuck on the tarmac, book early departures and select larger airports that are better equipped to deal with delays.

5. Which Airports Received the Most (and Fewest) Complaints?
   Not all airports were created equal. The report states:

• The worst complaint rate belonged to Frontier Airlines: 23.3 complaints per 100,000 passengers.

• That was followed by Spirit Airlines with 12.8 complaints per 100,000.

• Southwest Airlines had the lowest ratio: only 1.5 complaints per 100,000 travelers, with Alaska Airlines nearly as low at 2.6.

If a smoother flight is important to you, it might be worth shelling out a bit more to travel with airlines that deal with problems more efficiently.

6. Passengers Are Learning Their Rights
   Passengers are now aware that they are entitled to a refund if their flight is delayed or canceled for over three hours. They also anticipate hotel stays and food vouchers when the delay is the airline’s responsibility. This is not always dealt with by all airlines though, and refunds take their time.

Before you take flight, go to the DOT website to learn your rights as a traveler. It can keep you cool and get you the assistance you deserve if there is a problem.

7. Intelligent Travel Tips for 2025
   If you are flying summer this year, here are some simple steps to minimize your travel stress:

• Download your airline’s app: Get instant updates about your flight.

• Sign up for text and email alerts: Don’t miss flight schedule changes.

• Use track devices in your luggage: Keep tabs on where your bags are at all times.

• Steer clear of connecting flights: Particularly through airports with a history of delays.

• Book your flight early: With fewer flights, the price may be greater and options more scarce later.

• Be courteous to flight attendants: They’re usually not responsible for the issue.

Big Airline Problems: Final Thoughts

Air travel remains among the speediest methods to get where you’re going, Big Airline Problems but it’s apparent flying has grown more stressful. By recognizing the issues people encountered in 2024 and planning in advance, you can enhance your odds of a seamless, headache-free journey.

This summer, be aware, remain versatile — and travel wisely.