Airlines Board More Passengers in 2005

U.S. airlines flew 642 million passengers last year but also reported more flight delays, mishandled baggage and consumer complaints than they did in 2004.

The Transportation Department’s annual air travel consumer report showed that 19 commercial airlines boarded 23 million more people in 2005 than the previous year.

The agency received 8,735 complaints about airline service, up 17.2% from 2004. The airlines recorded an on-time arrival rate of 77% in 2005, down from 78%. Most flight delays were caused by weather.