Skift Take

A consumer watchdog report found that complaints against airlines have continued to increase in 2023, despite improvements made on cancellations and delays.

From lost baggage to late refunds, passenger complaints against airlines skyrocketed earlier this year. 

Consumer complaints against airlines in the first five months of 2023 surpassed 2022 levels during the same time period, according to a report from consumer watchdog U.S. Public Interest Research Group released Thursday. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection said this month, in its Air Travel Consumer Report, that it had received so many complaints that it had to delay the release of the data. 

"The Department is examining how best to review and process the consumer complaints received to avoid reporting delays as it is increasingly clear that consumer complaints are not returning to pre-pandemic levels," the department said i