Background: back to top
In 2007, 647 million passenger trips were flown by U.S. domestic airlines
between 267 airports on 7.4 million flights, representing a 4.5 percent increase
over the previous year. Despite gloomy economic factors, all indications
are that there will be similar, if not greater, airline traffic growth in
2008. Yet the increased airline traffic has not been accompanied by improved
service by the airline industry.
Passenger trip delays, whether due to delayed flights, diverted flights or
rebooking after scheduled flights have been cancelled or oversold, have never
been higher. Airline consumers, whether travelling for business or pleasure,
play a kind of Russian-Roulette with their schedules; never knowing when
they will arrive at their destinations. Often passengers are left waiting
without explanation for the delay. Passenger frustrations have been compounded
by lost luggage, as well as new surcharges for everything including fuel,
beverages, pillows, baggage, and certain coach-class seating.
Various legislation attempting to address these concerns have been stalled
in committee for years without seeing the light of day even as the problems
and expenses of airline travel have increased exponentially. With the rise
in fees, surcharges and trip delays, there have been corresponding cuts in
the customary services and comforts air travelers have known for decades.
It's no wonder that public opinion toward the airline industry is at an all-time
low.
In November 2008, the Airline Association for Passenger Rights (AAPR) was
incorporated in the District of Columbia as a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt, nonprofit
organization in response to this growing problem. |
