2023-2024: A Turbulent Era for Airlines

Consumer complaints against U.S. airlines are set to reach a new record in 2023, with the number of complaints filed in the first five months of the year more than double compared to the same period last year, according to a report by U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The complaints primarily revolve around flight delays, mishandled luggage, damaged wheelchairs, and the lack of refunds. Frontier, Spirit Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines received the most complaints per 100,000 passengers, while Republic Airways, SkyWest, and Alaska Airlines had the least. With the holiday season approaching, travelers are advised to download airline apps, use bag trackers, know their legal rights, fly in the morning, avoid connecting flights, pay with a credit card, and document their belongings to mitigate potential issues.