Three out of four major US airlines with financial problems see increase in customer complaints - report

Airline Industry Information, August 5, 2005

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US Airways, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have reported more consumer complaints for the first six months of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004.

These three airlines are reportedly three of the four major US airlines with serious financial problems and many of the complaints concerned mishandled luggage.

The most marked increase was that of US Airways, Reuters reported. According to Department of Transportation figures, the complaint rate for the airline went from 0.92 complaints per 100,000 travellers in 2004 to 2.07 for the January to June period in 2005. The data reportedly also showed that lost or mishandled baggage made up about 50% of the complaints, followed by flight delays and cancellations and customer service.

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