Here's What's Hot On CBS11TV.COM:
Jul 31, 2008 5:21 pm US/Central
Airline Delay Time Improving At DFW Airport
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
If you have experienced flight delays over the summer, then you are not alone. New numbers released on Thursday show that the number of delays remains high nationwide. However, flight delay time is actually improving significantly at DFW Airport.
According to
FlightStats, for July 2008, roughly 80 percent of planes flying into DFW Airport arrived on time. That number is up by about 15 percent from the same time last year.
Out of 26 major airports, DFW Airport has the sixth best on-time rate for July.
The number of on-time arrivals at DFW Airport are up by about 3 percent for the entire year. Tthe number of on-time departures have improved by about 2 percent.
Dallas Love Field saw similar growth, with the number of on-time arrivals up by about 10 percent for the year.
DFW Airport spokesman Ken Capps credits Mother Nature with the improved numbers. Last summer, the area experienced day after day of rain and thunderstorms. That caused massive flight delays throughout summer 2007, delays which were not felt this year. "It's one word: weather," Capps said. "Better weather. I mean, that's really what it boils down to."
Higher congestion at other airports across the country also contributed to the 2008 numbers.
Some passengers said that they have experienced few problems at DFW Airport. "My experience here has generally been pretty good, as opposed to, perhaps, some other places," said one traveler.
Others believe that the statistics might be a little high. "It's frustrating," said passenger Cherie McCormick, "because there are people on the other end, where you are supposed to be, that are counting on you being there. And you make your plans around that. It's not efficient. It's not productive. I think it costs companies a lot of money."
DFW Airport is expected to lose 42 departures in November. With flight cuts like that looming, experts said that the situation, on a nationwide level, could actually improve. "It may have a very unusual impact around the country, of making less delays because there will be fewer flights in the air," Capps said.
However, the holiday travel season is still expected to be busy. And with fewer flights, there could be more delays during that time period. Capps said, "If you're trying to get out of here for Thanksgiving or Christmas or New Year's, the time to book it is right now when it's 100 degrees."
You can visit
FlightStats any time of day to track the delay status of flights around the world.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Hollywood Hair
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
