Flying can be a challenging experience, even in the best of circumstances. However, when flights are disrupted by delays, cancellations, and mishandled luggage, air travel can quickly become a nightmare.

In 2024, a record-breaking 66,675 complaints were filed against U.S. airlines by customers, according to a new report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, a consumer advocacy group. This data, collected from the U.S. Department of Transportation, shows a significant increase in passenger complaints since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

According to Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director at U.S. PIRG, many of these complaints were a result of customers not receiving refunds they were entitled to, such as for flight cancellations or lost baggage. These complaints have become more common since the pandemic, with travel restrictions and reduced demand for flying leading to a surge in cancellations and delays.

To address these issues, new rules were implemented in 2024 that require airlines to automatically provide refunds to customers when their flights are canceled or significantly delayed. Despite this, the number of flight cancellations increased from 1.28% to 1.36% in 2024, resulting in over 102,000 canceled flights. Additionally, on-time arrivals decreased from 78.3% in 2023 to 78.1% in 2024, with a total of 1.7 million flights experiencing delays or cancellations.

The report