Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Airline on-time performance continued to slip last month, falling to 70 percent for the 10 largest carriers, the Transportation Department reported Thursday.
That was below the 70.3 percent on-time rating in July, though not as bad as June’s 66.3 rate.
And United Airlines continued to hold down the last spot with just 42.7 percent of its flights arriving on time in August.
While weather and airport capacity problems in the face of increasing travel volume have been blamed for many delays, United has also faced added trouble from a labor dispute with its pilots. That was finally settled Aug. 26.
Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater has met with airline executives and other aviation interests seeking ways to improve the industry’s performance.
August’s best on-time performance was turned in by Northwest at 79.2 percent. Continental was second at 77.7 percent, followed by Delta, 77.3 percent; TWA, 76.7 percent; and Southwest, 76.2.
Rounding out the 10 major carriers were American, 73.9 percent; Alaska, 69.6 percent; US Airways, 67.3 percent; America West, 59.5 percent; and United, 42.7 percent.
The monthly consumer report also includes information on canceled flights, mishandled baggage and complaints about service. For details, go to
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