American Airlines Complaints & DOT Data (2024)
12,808 complaints filed with the DOT in 2024.
Complaint Rate
7.9/100K
Total Complaints
12,808
Rank
#12 of 27
Top Issue
Baggage
American Airlines generates the most raw complaints of any U.S. carrier — over 12,800 in 2024 — simply because of its enormous size. Its rate of 7.9 per 100,000 is moderate, but baggage problems are the persistent weak spot that passengers complain about most.
vs. Industry Average
American Airlines is 4% below the industry average.
Monthly Complaint Rate (2024)
Complaints per 100K passengers by month. Red bars exceed industry average (8.2).
What People Complain About
How to File a Complaint Against American Airlines
- Document everything — save confirmation emails, receipts, and screenshots.
- Contact American Airlines directly first. Give them a chance to resolve it.
- If unsatisfied, file with the DOT at airconsumer.dot.gov.
- Use the Disruption Desk to understand what you are owed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints did American Airlines get in 2024?
American Airlines received 12,808 DOT complaints in 2024, at a rate of 7.9 per 100,000 passengers. This ranks them #12 out of 27 airlines tracked.
What do people complain about most with American Airlines?
The most common complaint category for American Airlines is baggage. Lost, delayed, or damaged luggage. Airlines must compensate up to $3,800 for domestic baggage issues under DOT rules. If your bag is delayed, the airline must cover reasonable expenses for essentials you need while waiting.
How do I file a complaint against American Airlines?
You can file a complaint against American Airlines with the DOT at airconsumer.dot.gov, or use Flight Check's Disruption Desk to understand your rights and generate a complaint letter. Check what you're owed with the Compensation Calculator. Every DOT complaint is forwarded to American Airlines's executive consumer affairs team.
Is American Airlines complaint rate above or below average?
American Airlines's complaint rate of 7.9 per 100K is 4% below the industry average of 8.2 per 100K. They rank #12 out of 27 airlines. See the full airline complaint rankings.
Compare Other Airlines
Source: DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, January–December 2024.