Airline Flight Problems Complaint Rankings (2024)
Every U.S. airline ranked by flight problems complaint rate.
Flight problems — cancellations, delays, and diversions — are the single largest complaint category filed with the DOT. The surge in complaints reflects both post-pandemic operational strain and rising passenger expectations. The new DOT automatic refund rule, effective October 2024, requires airlines to refund passengers automatically for cancelled flights.
Your Rights: Flight Problems Issues
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund — not just a voucher. The DOT's October 2024 auto-refund rule means airlines must process refunds automatically. For delays over 3 hours (domestic), you can request a refund if you choose not to travel.
Airlines Ranked by Flight Problems Complaints
Only airlines where flight problems was the top complaint category in at least one month. Source: DOT, 2024.
Had a Flight Problems Issue?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which airline has the most flight problems complaints?
Frontier Airlines has the highest rate of flight problems complaints at 21.7 per 100,000 passengers, with 748 total flight problems complaints filed in 2024.
What are my rights for flight problems issues?
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund — not just a voucher. The DOT's October 2024 auto-refund rule means airlines must process refunds automatically. For delays over 3 hours (domestic), you can request a refund if you choose not to travel.
How do I file a flight problems complaint?
First contact the airline directly. If they don't resolve it, file a complaint with the DOT at airconsumer.dot.gov specifying "Flight Problems" as the issue type. Use Flight Check's Disruption Desk (flightcheck.live/disruption-desk) to generate a complaint letter and check what you're owed with the Compensation Calculator (flightcheck.live/compensation-calculator).
Other Complaint Categories
Source: DOT Air Travel Consumer Report, January–December 2024.