Air Travel Consumer Report: September 2021 and 3rd quarter 2021 numbers

The U.S. Department of Transportation released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of September 2021 and 3rd quarter 2021 numbers (9 months data) for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, complaints received, and oversales. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines.

The COVID-19 pandemic continued to result in significant changes to airline schedules and operations in September 2021. The 560,140 flights operated in September 2021 were 86.2% of the 649,667 flights operated in pre-pandemic September 2019.  The 4,559,567 flights operated during the first nine months of 2021 were 76% of the 5,928,968 flights operated in pre-pandemic January to September 2019. 

Operated flights in September 2021 were up 63.4% year-over-year from the 342,771 flights operated in September 2020 and down 5.5% month-over-month from the 592,760 flights operated in August 2021.