The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has delayed releasing data on consumer complaints, inquiries and comments about air travel in 2023.
Why? Because there was a surprising amount of consumer feedback about airlines and ticket agents. In fact, the number of posts about air travel in 2023 (91% of which were complaints) is only slightly lower than consumer feedback in 2020.
The DOT also blames the delays on an outdated application system and says it is currently working to modernize it.
Looking back on 2023
– Last year, the DOT received 96,853 applications, compared to 86,240 in 2022.
Of the applications submitted, 67,661 were for U.S. airlines, 24,991 were for foreign airlines, and 3,162 were for travel agencies.
-DOT received a total of 2,685 disability-related complaints in 2023, up from a total of 2,098 received in 2022.
– And in 2023, the DOT received 223 discrimination-related complaints, up from a total of 176 complaints received in 2022.
How to File an Air Travel Complaint with the DOT
Travelers can file a complaint online here or by mail to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Aviation Consumer Protection, C-70, W96-432, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590.
