US Airlines Face Accountability Crisis as Complaints Soar and Southwest Settles for Record $140M

Consumer complaints against US airlines have more than doubled in the first five months of 2023 compared to the same period last year, indicating another record year for complaints. Flight cancellations have significantly dropped, but delays remain an issue. The surge in demand has left airlines and air traffic control centers short-staffed. The top complaints address delays, cancellations, missed connections, refunds, and lost or damaged items. The Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection is behind schedule in releasing data due to the high number of complaints.